New Meath manager Colm O'Rourke was thrilled with his side's Allianz Football League opening round win over Cork.

Goals from Shane Walsh, Jordan Morris and Cillian O'Sullivan ensured the O'Rourke era got off to a winning start after the Royals had trailed by 1-6 to 0-11 at half-time in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

"I'm delighted, particularly for the players who have shown such commitment and enthusiasm for the task," he told RTÉ.

"When I came into the job last year I didn't know what sort of response [I'd get] and it has been absolutely fantastic. I couldn't say enough about the players so it's due reward for them."

Meath's second half performance, which saw them outscore the hosts by 2-8 to 0-8, was especially pleasing for the new supremo.

"I thought the lads were a bit nervous in the first half. We were lucky to be only two behind at half-time because Cork were in control of the first half," O'Rourke reflected.

"I more or less said, 'don't worry, go out and play.' There was a lot of nervousness with a lot of players and they brought much more energy to the second half, and kicked on. They got some very good goals and could have got another couple."

Tweet

Most Read Stories