Dublin manager Mick Bohan says his side will have a big battle on their hands if they are to hold on to their crown when they meet Galway in the TG4 All-Ireland senior final at Croke Park on September 15.
His side saw off the brave challenge of a Cork side whose manager Ephie Fitzgerald announced after the game that he was stepping down after four years in charge.
Bohan was pleased that his side made the step up to handle the Cork challenge as second-half goals from Caoimhe O’Connor and Sinéad Aherne proved the difference in the end.
“Three weeks ago we weren’t in a good place. We weren’t playing good football. We certainly didn’t hit the tempo that was requires for this end of the championship,” said Bohan.
“We were hugely impressed by the way these guys went about it, particularly over the last fortnight. Just the maturity in the group in knowing that they had to get up a couple of notches, and the way that they approached training and the leadership they showed to make the thing work.
“I’m so proud of our group today, the way they went about their work.”
“There is a young squad there and I suppose I have a lot going on,” said the departing Fitzgerald. “I have a family at home that I probably haven’t given as much time to this past few years as I should have been doing.
“So, there are a lot of factors really. Work and all. But the result today was nothing to do with my decision to step down. That was made a while back.
“There isn’t a whole lot between the teams. I do believe that but probably another year or two may of finding one or two more players and hopefully some of the older girls will stay on because it is a huge commitment.
“It is a building process. There are young players there but in terms of conditioning and that you can see how strong the Dublin girls were there today
“To be fair to the Dublin girls, they have given it massive commitment. They lost a few finals before they won one and that is testament to their commitment to their county. There is a future there for Cork. An All-Ireland: who knows? But Cork will be competitive going forward. We have only seven of that panel that started in 2016 left so there is certainly talent there.
“We won the league and our Munster Championship and to be competitive in an All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin augurs well for the future.”
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