Gavin Cummiskeyfinds that Cork's rookie manager is fast learning how to cope with the high-pressure stakes that come at this intercounty level

CONOR COUNIHAN has a broad smile on his face. Before entering the media room, the Cork manager provides RTÉ with an immediate reaction, and it proves a fairly accurate appraisal of the dramatics that we have just witnessed.

Basically, Cork were due a healthy dose of good fortunate against their ancient nemesis. Counihan is a rookie to intercounty management but is fast learning how to cope with the high-pressure stakes of this level.

"We didn't play well, I'd be the first to admit. I thought Kerry were much better than us on the day, but, you know, these lads have taken a lot of punishment from Kerry over the last number of years.

"We could have died. We've had other occasions during the year when we could have died, but they stuck with it. That must count for something. That character and that strength. Once we have that in the tank there is always a possibility.

"In terms of commitment and determination, these players have given it everything. Sometimes you end up going out of it empty-handed, but where there is light there is hope and they have always kept that light shining."

It happens in most sports, but mainly in Gaelic football: the loss of a player, particularly if it is Darragh Ó Sé, more often than not leads to the numerically-challenged side upping their intensity.

Within five minutes of Ó Sé walking, Kerry had rattled off three points from Bryan Sheehan frees and young Tommy Walsh. Kieran Donaghy was switched out the field and performed like the great player he has become these past three seasons.

"The sending off of Darragh unsettled us more than it unsettled them," agreed Counihan. "I've been playing up here before when it was 15 against 14 and it hasn't worked out. Certainly, that threw our rhythm. We totally lost our shape."

Cork find themselves in their best position against this particular Kerry team. They have faced them twice this year and not lost. They are yet to put together a 70-minute performance against them and still not lost. They have rode their luck.

They might just believe the tide is turning for them and, after all these years of hurt, this is their time.

Who are the favourites now, Conor? "Jaysus, there are only one favourite. Those guys are favourites every time they come out.

"I suppose the reality today is they gave up a lead, they gave up a lead in the Munster final. But we must do the work ourselves and not be depending on others to do it for us."

No Darragh Ó Sé the next day either, while Cork have lost Donncha O'Connor, who contributed four points. But in James Masters they have a ready-made quality to come in.

Counihan is right; where there is light there is hope.

"We could have died. We've had other occasions during the year when we could have died, but they stuck with it. That must count for something. That character. Once we have that in the tank there is always a possibility