Dónal Óg Cusack believes that the manner of Cork's dramatic All-Ireland semi-final win over Kilkenny will provide real mental reinforcement ahead of their final clash with Munster rivals Limerick in a fortnight’s time.
The Rebels looked like they may be the latest in the long line of sides to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory against the Brian Cody managed Cats as Adrian Mullen struck for goal in the final seconds to force extra-time.
It seemed like a real momentum-shifter towards Kilkenny, but Kieran Kingston’s team outscored their opponents 1-08 to 0-06 in those additional 20 minutes – and Cusack believes that is the perfect tonic ahead of their meeting with the All-Ireland champions.
"On the 63rd minute I think Cork were six points up. Kilkenny tipped away at that lead and then to concede a goal at that stage, it wasn’t quite a sucker-punch but it was a fierce shot to the jaw if you like," he told RTÉ’s The Sunday Game.
"It’s obviously very important that Cork won today, but I think the manner in that they recovered after that is hugely important.
"Hugely important for the whole team, everyone with anything to do with Cork, lesser teams would have folded at that stage after Kilkenny (responded) with their reputation over the last number of years.
"The response in extra-time after that goal will stand to Cork."
'Lesser teams would have folded at that stage' - @DonalOgC says the manner of Cork's victory, recovering after the concession of a late goal, will stand to Kieran Kingston's team #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/s4Kcz9QvBp
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) August 8, 2021
Cusack, who was in goals for Cork’s last Liam MacCarthy success in 2005 when they defeated Galway, believes that the side will take more from having to win the game for a second time than if they had managed to repel Mullen’s late effort.
"At this stage you’d say that. You wouldn’t have said it when that goal went in obviously. It was great testament to the team that they were able to.
"They could almost feel that we were after getting over the line. I know you could say in 2018 (v Limerick) Cork were up six points again, but Cork were further over the line at this stage.
"That goal in the last minute, going into the dressing room having to regroup, think.
"They’re only natural, mistakes are going to be on people’s minds and stuff like that, but they gave a resounding answer in extra-time."
