Diarmuid O'Sullivan has questioned Cork manager John Meyler calling out his underperforming forwards publicly following last Sunday’s defeat to Tipperary.
Talisman Patrick Horgan accounted for 0-14 of their total in another awesome display from the Glen Rovers man, who was exempt from criticism afterwards but O’Sullivan, who was part of the management team with Meyler under Kieran Kingston two years ago wondered if the Wexford native ought to have kept his utterings in-house.
He said: “It was interesting after the game when John Meyler come out and questioned if the Cork forwards, outside of Hoggie, were working hard enough? Was that the right platform to single them out?
“It was an interesting take on it, but it is probably something that was better kept inside the dressing room to have it out. Was it the right thing to do in the public domain? Maybe he has his reasons.
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“Aidan Walsh came on in the 59th minute, Declan Dalton after that and then Jack O'Connor with a minute to go. O'Connor's appearance was only a token gesture at that stage. If you believe O'Connor is good enough to be on the panel then why are you waiting until the 69th minute?
“The two things Cork need going forward are Bill Cooper and Alan Cadogan. Alan has obviously picked up an injury again, but they need him back quickly for his running and scoring ability if they are to get back into this Munster Championship campaign.
“Cork are far too reliant on Patrick Horgan and have been for a while now. Unless other guys start taking the responsibility and sharing the load with Hoggie, Cork are going nowhere.
“Hoggie nearly always turns up, but what about the day he doesn't? Cork should be really worried about that day,” the three-time All-Ireland winner told Paddy Power News.
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Cork now face into what is shaping up to be a must-win game away to All-Ireland champions Limerick on Sunday.
O’Sullivan added: “This is a massive week now. Don't get me wrong, the Cork fans will travel because they're loyal and we'll support our team wherever they go, but it's a huge task now.
“But, is it beyond them? The funny thing is, it's not and they could go to the Gaelic Grounds and get a victory. If we can even get a point that would be great.
“If we can get into third place that will be fine. We'll lose out on a chance to defend our Munster title, but I don't think that's a massive priority for Cork this season.”
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