Offaly manager Leo O’Connor wasn’t happy with what he described as Cork’s ‘cynical hurling’ in yesterday's All-Ireland U20HC final.

While accepting that the better team won on a baking hot day in FBD Semple Stadium, the Limerick man was disappointed with the tactics employed by the Rebels in the first half in particular when Offaly talisman Adam Screeney was subjected to some rough treatment, while Cork full back Shane Kingston was very lucky to receive just a yellow card from referee Chris Mooney for a dangerous head-high hit on Cormac Egan in the 12th minute.

While Dan Ravenhill converted the resultant penalty, the Tullamore dual star didn’t return for the second half after suffering suspected ‘broken ribs’.

“One or two things happened in the first half, absolutely cynical hurling and that leaves a bit of a sour taste,” a disappointed O’Connor said.

“But look, we were beaten by a better team. Cork physically dominated us in the second half, that 10 minutes after half-time when they really pushed on. Fair play to them, they were a better team than us today. They showed it on the scoreboard, and that is the way it is.

“But that cynicism. An Offaly player went through 15 minutes to go, pulled straight to the ground. It was a penalty in the first half. We were pulled back for tap over frees.

“We went to the fourth official, we spoke to the linesman. We were constantly speaking to them.

“There are things that happen and it is not our responsibility on the sideline. And all we can do is ask questions. As they wear on the sleeve, ‘give respect, get respect.’ 

“It is just very frustrating."

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