Cork manager Denis Walsh admitted that he was surprised by the capitulation of Laois in yesterday’s All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Portlaoise.
The Rebels led by seven points at half-time, but they hit 7-11 in the second period to record a whopping 34-point victory – 10-20 to 1-13.
‘It’s hard to fathom the first half performance versus maybe the first ten minutes of the second half,’ Walsh said after the game.
‘They had really sharpened our mind at half time because they had really put it up to us and they looked comfortable enough all over the field.
‘They looked well structured in their play. Three or four balls in the second half and the game was all over which was strange enough. I didn’t expect it to be honest with you.
‘I did expect us to pull away, but at the same time I thought we got a bit of a run around in the first half at times.’
Walsh used the interval to stress to his side the importance of making the most of their chances and they certainly took heed of his advice as they ran riot in the second period.
Pat Horgan and Paudie O'Sullivan both scored hat-tricks, while Luke O'Farrell notched one and Championship debutants Bill Cooper and Jamie Coughlan (2) also found the net.
‘We know that the guys can take their chances. We know that they have the ability to do that. But even today in the first half they weren’t,’ Walsh said.
‘We missed probably two goals in the first half. We got them and took them in the second half which to me was the difference between the two halves.’
