Victory over Limerick 'fantastic' for Cork - Ryan

Cork manager Pat Ryan says ending Limerick's hopes of a fifth straight All-Ireland SHC title did not motivate his team to their semi-final success on Sunday.

The Rebels trailed by two points at the break but stormed clear before holding on for a 1-28 to 0-29 win after the champions launched a comeback attempt late in the Croke Park showdown.

"Absolutely not, we weren't thinking of that," said Ryan.

"That was the dream that Limerick were going for, we were going for our dream and that was to get into the final. I will enjoy today and prepare for Clare, which is going to be a mammoth task."

Cork lost out Limerick in their last appearance in the final three years ago and Ryan was quick to praise the Treaty County's feats.

"It's fantastic from our point of view but huge credit goes to this Limerick team - they've raised the standards of hurling over the last couple of years.

"That game was nip-and-tuck and fair play to them for what they've done, the joy they've brought, not only to Limerick, but hurling all over the country."

There was also praise for the Rebels fans who helped drive the team to a wonderful second-half display and a win which saw them secure a meeting with Clare on 21 July.

"We know how fantastic the hurling public in Cork are - we are just delighted, they've spent a lot of money coming up here and we gave them good value for it."

Brian Hayes was Cork's star forward, scoring the only goal and earning the man-of-the-match award.

He believes a Munster championship win over Limerick in May gave Cork the confidence to do it again.

"We're back in an All-Ireland final - that's all we wanted at the start of the year," said Hayes.

"We firmly believed that we could take Limerick again, regardless of them being an absolutely unbelievable team. That victory at Pairc Ui Chaoimh drove us on."