Underdogs tag gave the winners extra bite

It's difficult to understand how Meath could have such a bad day, especially considering the standards they reached to make it this far. I suppose Cork deserve credit for doing their homework so thoroughly and then producing their best performance since Billy Morgan returned for a second stint as manager.

I'd imagine they enjoyed the underdogs tag bestowed on them during the week. The three years of All-Ireland semi-finals have to have counted for something too. If they had lost again yesterday the defeats to Kerry would forever follow this group of players. If ever they were going to redeem themselves this was it. It was a must-win game for Cork.

From the very first ball you could see the intent of their back-line, where Graham Canty led by example throughout. There was no space to manoeuvre, and Meath's primary scorers, Stephen Bray and Brian Farrell, were not allowed to breathe. That these two combined for just three points from play says a lot.

Another aspect of Cork's play that deserves particular mention was the pace and control of their running game, combined as it was with highly efficient support play. The half-back line is where this begins, and Meath's half-forward line were unable to stay with Cork's attacking waves.

Anthony Moyles was a huge loss, not just there, but in foraging for loose ball around the middle.

Noel O'Leary personifies the wholehearted commitment of this Cork team, but he seems to tread on thin ice in every game. Morgan clearly likes him, probably for the inspiration he offers with those gut-bursting runs - but the clash with Graham Geraghty could have proved catastrophic.

Cork targeted Geraghty for special attention, which is understandable considering he is such an important player for Meath. They succeeded in keeping him quiet.

Morgan also caught Meath on the hop by pulling Michael Cussen out the field. This meant Daniel Goulding and Donncha O'Connor had more space inside, where they proceeded to expose inexperienced corner backs.

It's still early in the career of Cormac McGuinness, so he can learn from the lessons of yesterday. His initial marker, O'Connor, had a great game, and Séamus Kenny didn't fare much better on him.

Cork won the midfield battle hands down, Nicholas Murphy exposing the lack of mobility of Mark Ward and Nigel Crawford. Cork were hungrier when it came to the breaking ball.

The only criticism would be of the number of shots that fell short in the second half; that, albeit they were well clear, showed a lack of concentration that could prove costly in the final.

Whereas Meath lacked leadership, Cork had Canty and Anthony Lynch constantly shepherding them forward.

I know these two players particularly well from the International Rules set-up and can attest to their great dedication. Now that a solid support network exists around them, this was their big chance to finally get to an All-Ireland final.

It's where they belong.

You could see the confidence draining out of the Meath men as the game progressed. That can happen to teams in Croke Park. I well remember Meath did it to the Kerry team I was involved with in the 2001 semi-final. We, like Meath here, simply never got out of the blocks. It's what you do after such a defeat that really counts. This should benefit them down the line. Back in the winter months nobody could have imagined Meath making an All-Ireland semi-final, so they should focus on the progress. The skills are undoubtedly there. Now they have gained valuable experience.

Every team needs to suffer hardship in Croke Park to ensure a complete performance when they reach full maturity. For proof, see Cork.

There are positives, like the way Shane O'Rourke stood up and again performed. He will be an important cog in future Meath teams.

I must finish with a mention of the victorious attack. They coped admirably in the absence of James Masters - Kevin McMahon, Pearse O'Neill, Goulding and Conor McCarthy, when he came on, were all just behind O'Connor in performance levels. Of course, it's the power base from Canty to half back through midfield that allows them to shine.

Cork are notably stronger than last year and will prove formidable opposition, while happily taking on the mantle of underdogs, come the All-Ireland final.