TOP OF THE PILE

Since being relegated from Division 1 in 2016, this feels like the first time Cork are genuine Division 2 promotion contenders as we head towards the home stretch. Cork’s 1-23 to 1-21 victory against Meath in a top-of-the-table clash was a significant result and gave them outright ownership of first place. The Rebels maintained their winning streak, making it four in a row – a level of consistency, if we’re being honest, we are not really used to from Cork football teams. They are one of just four sides across the four divisions of the football leagues still boasting a 100 percent record, alongside Donegal, Down and Carlow. It’s refreshing to see a Cork side looking up the table rather than over their shoulder. Let the good times roll.

PROMOTION RACE

We can say it now: Cork are firmly in the promotion hunt. It’s a three-horse race – we feel – with Derry and Meath, and there are some huge games on the horizon. Cork’s crunch away tie to Derry is up first this Sunday in Celtic Park. A home game against Kildare follows on Saturday, March 14th, before the final game away to Tyrone on Sunday, March 22nd. Aside from facing Cork, Derry must travel to Louth and then host Cavan in their final fixture. Meath, meanwhile, travel to Kildare this Saturday (7pm), face Tyrone in Croke Park, and finish with an away tie against Offaly. The bottom line for Cork is simple: win the next two games against Derry and Kildare and John Cleary’s side are mathematically promoted.

MAGUIRE RED CARD

While it didn’t ultimately have a bearing on the result, the decision to send off Ian Maguire against Meath looked a harsh call. From what could be seen, there was a coming together between the St Finbarr’s man and Meath’s Adam O’Neill. As play moved on, O’Neill ended up on the ground. It was inconclusive as to what exactly happened, but Maguire appeared perplexed when shown his marching orders. It will be interesting to see if Cork appeal the decision because, as it stands, Maguire is suspended for the huge clash away to Derry. While Seán Walsh is an able replacement in midfield, Maguire would still be a significant loss given his leadership qualities.

ROUSING REBELS

The official attendance for Cork’s win over Meath was 6,223, but it felt like far more. Hosting the game in Páirc Uí Rinn was a masterstroke given the match’s importance. From well before 12.45pm there were queues outside the turnstiles, even though throw-in wasn’t until 2pm. The atmosphere was electric as the Cork public got behind the in-form footballers – the fans answered John Cleary’s rallying cry. It underlined how, once the county team is performing, supporters will come out in force. In the closing minutes, when Meath were pushing hard, the crowd played their part, roaring on every block, tackle and interception. Those small moments helped make a big difference.

KICK-OUT OUTPUT

Cork’s kick-out strategy has been questioned in previous seasons, but that aspect of their play was a key factor here. Of their 1-23 tally, 1-14 (including two two-pointers) came directly from their own kick-outs, with a further 0-5 originating from Meath restarts. Having won 16 kick-outs, Cork turned those into 13 scores – a very encouraging return. Ian Maguire, Colm O’Callaghan and Paul Walsh secured vital possession around the middle to give Cork a strong platform. Their efficiency in transition was equally impressive. For Chris Óg Jones’ goal, from the initial midfield win to the ball hitting the net took just 17 seconds. Fast ball from a restart win yields results, and it’s something Cork must continue to build on.