Cork U21 football manager Sean Hayes described last night's Munster final defeat to Kerry as 'the most humiliating defeat ever.'
The reigning champions suffered a 2-16 to 0-06 point defeat to a Kerry side that was chasing their first U21 provincial crown since 2008. And from the early stages, it looked as though the defending champions were in danger of losing their crown.
Trailing 1-06 to 0-03 points at the break, Cork were left with too high a mountain to scale in the second half. Aside from a goal attempt from Michael Hurley that came back off the woodwork, they failed to threaten Kerry's lead throughout.
Speaking after the heavy defeat, a dejected Hayes told Red FM that it was difficult to assess where his team faltered last night.
"Very disappointed, not to be beaten but the way we played. Can't put a finger on it yet. They were very good but we let them play. We just made very basic mistakes from the start of the game and never improved so, you get what you deserve.
"In the first half, we were there or there abouts. Our own mistakes gave them scores and fellas didn't do the basics that they can do and that’s kind of why you can’t put a finger on it. Winning breaks, calling for the ball, going forward - we just didn’t do it. I can’t put a finger on it and I don’t know if I ever will.
"It's very disappointing for all of them because they did try, they did make a good effort but that’s life.
"This is our fourth year and that's the most humiliating defeat ever. It’s a loss for football but that’s the way it goes and it’s over."
Meanwhile, Kerry U21 boss Jack O'Connor paid tribute to his players for their clinical display against the reigning champions.
Speaking to Radio Kerry, he said:
"I think our fellas played very well. We really set the tone early on by stopping Cork from coming out of their own defence. I think the tackling and the workrate by our players really, was the cornerstone of the victory."
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