"They have two of the best strikers in the country playing for them and a brilliant stadium, with brilliant supporters.
"I think things are looking up for Cork. They've already won the first division, maybe not mathematically, but they're going to be a Premier Division team next year.
"They had a go at us, and we weathered the storm. We weren't dominant or free-flowing by any stretch, but we found a way.
"In the first round against St Pat's, we were outstanding in how we played and in our attacking play, but tonight we had to show a different side to us.
"First half, we didn't really compete the way we would have liked from a physical point of view. Second half, we did that better and wrestled a bit more control, and we got the breakthrough and hung on."
"To be honest, I think if we had been 3-1 or 4-1 winners, I don't think anyone in the stadium could have complained" - Tim Clancy
The disappointment of opposite number Tim Clancy was all too clear.
"I don't think they had many chances in the game, bar corner kicks and a few set-pieces," the Cork manager opined.
"They're as good as there is in the country and in the Premier Division. They'll be right there at the last kick against Shels.
"To be honest, I think if we had been 3-1 or 4-1 winners, I don't think anyone in the stadium could have complained."
Seani Maguire went close with two chances, without getting on the scoresheet, and with plenty of improvement likely in the coming weeks.
"Seani has played very little football after last season and hasn't had a pre-season, so he's going to get sharper," Clancy said.
"But you can see his quality and physicality. He's a better player than when he left the country seven or eight years ago."
Cathal O'Sullivan is the latest young star to emerge from Cork's ranks, but supporters only got to see snatches of his nascent talent.
"Cathal is 17. His ability is ridiculous," Clancy enthused. "I think people forget how young he is, and we can't keep looking to a 17-year-old every week to produce the goods.
"But again, we saw it in patches; he's recycling the ball in tight areas and he's going past players."
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