Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice said his side had won a “ferocious battle” after claiming the Munster SFC title in Fitzgerald Stadium.
The Kingdom were 1-11 to 1-06 winners in the replay played in tough conditions in Killarney.
He said: “It was ferocious battle. Nothing more than what we expected. In case any of us needed any reminding we saw that the first day, the day of the drawn game, we saw what Cork can bring. They really brought it again this evening. We had to be at the top of our game to win – and thankfully we were
“The goal was important certainly, I think both goals were important. The goal that Cork got just before half-time gave them great life – but we had probably played the better football in the first half.
“When Colm [Cooper] came on he made a bit of a difference, played in a great ball to Donnacha – and that goal was a huge score then in the second half and we really kicked on from there. It was an important score and it was satisfying definitely.”
Fitzmaurice was pleased to welcome Paul Galvin back to Championship action after coming on as a late substitute.
“He deserved it on merit. He trained well for the last couple of weeks. He was unlucky coming into the championship. He had a bit of an injury, the preparation was a bit interrupted, but he’s had a couple of good weeks under the belt now and that five or ten minute cameo will help him to take a step further tonight
“It’s about the squad. We’ve 26 players. 21 players saw action tonight – they all did their bit. Five of the other lads are obviously disappointed they didn’t get game time. They’re going to be ready to go again Tuesday evening, as well as the lads that didn’t even make the squad.
“So it’s a squad effort. Different fellas do well on different nights. Thankfully it was enough to get us through in the end.”
