CORK got out of jail with two late goals, one from James Masters and the second a last minute penalty from John Hayes, as they held All-Ireland champions Kerry in a mouth-watering semifinal at Croke Park last Sunday. The final score was Cork 3-7 Kerry 1-13. The sides will meet again at Croke Park next Sunday when Kerry will be without the influential Darragh O Se after his red card.

"These lads have taken a lot of punishment from Kerry over the last number of years," said Cork boss Conor Counihan afterwards.

"There were times out there when they were on top of us, that we could have folded up the tent and capitulated again, but we display tremendous character in not throwing in the towel and that has to count for something.

"Once we have that in the tank there is always a possibility of winning and that keeps players going.

"The reality of the situation from my point of view is that some of our players under performed again out there today and it's something we'll have to address before the replay. We have room for improvement and the players will know that themselves.

"I have to admit that we were fortunate enough to get the draw. We didn't play well on the day. I recall saying to the selectors when we were six points down and two minutes left to play, that we needed two goals if were to extricate ourselves out of this game.

"Listening to the Liverpool match against Middlesbrough on Saturday - I'd be a bit of a fan - they needed two goals if they were to win the game late, and they got them.

"I remember saying to one of the lads that that is a sign of a team that is mentally strong. The team that gets one goal back rises a bit while the opposition becomes a bit rattled.

"Similarly that's what happened here. James got a goal and then we pushed on looking for another, and that came from a penalty. So as long as there is time left there is hope.

"Obviously Kerry will be disappointed at letting a big lead slip for the second time this year against us. Both teams will start from scratch the next day and it's still all to play for."

Disappointed Kerry boss Pat O'Shea claimed that O Se was targeted by the Cork players after he was dismissed following an incident with Nicholas Murphy.

"It's very disappointing for Darragh. Darragh is a very passionate player" said O'Shea. "He has given fantastic service as an amateur player to this game. Unfortunately, he gets targeted and blamed and painted with different brushes all his career.

"It was disappointing for him today, to get sent off. Obviously, he didn't bargain on that. I didn't see the incident so I can't comment on what provoked it or what happened.

"Players in all games are targeted, but for some players certain players are penciled out because of their talent or because of their inspiration."

O'Shea tried to put a brave face on the draw. "We're still in the championship," he added.

"Nothing has changed. It would have been nice to finish the job today, but it wasn't to be and I mean that's sport. We felt in control but Cork are always likely to create some chances and obviously they did that.

"But it doesn't. Genuinely it doesn't. We have got to come back."

Forde Ready

WEXFORD striker Matty Forde has declared himself fully fit for Sunday's All-Ireland semifinal against Tyrone despite a slight hamstring injury.

Forde said, "Everything is moving in the right direction. I have received intensive treatment on the injury and it's coming along nicely."

Owen Mulligan has returned to full fitness and is available for selection for Tyrone.

Dub Contenders

KERRYMEN Paidi O Se, Jack O'Connor and Tomas O Flatharta have all been linked with the vacant Dublin manager's job, but former star Anton O'Toole claims they should give it to Brian Mullins.

"Brian has all the credentials needed and has played the game at the highest level. He won four All-Irelands and played in nine finals," said the former Synge Street forward.

"He has a great football pedigree, he has also managed Derry to success and managed St. Vincent's.

"As a player, Brian's commitment was total, he was very focused and was quite commanding. He'd do a very good job."

Former Dublin star Dessie Farrell has ruled himself out of the running for the job.

GAA Shorts

THE vacant Cavan manager's job has attracted interest from Jody Gormley, Tony Brady, Terry Hyland, Dominic Corrigan, Stephen King and Sean Kelly . . .

DERRY have announced that manager Paddy Crozier will not stay in office for another year. Damien Cassidy is among the early favorites for the job . . .

GER Loughnane is to stay on as manager of the Galway hurlers for a third season following a meeting of the county's Hurling Board . . .

LOUTH football boss Eamonn McEneaney is set to stay in charge of the Wee County for another year .. .

ROSS Carr has been handed another season in charge of the Down footballers.

Clarke Wins

DARREN Clarke made a big push for a wildcard invitation to the Ryder Cup when he won the KLM Open in Holland on Sunday.

Clarke has missed out on an automatic spot on the European team for Valhalla but is now favorite for a captain's pick from Nick Faldo.

Paul McGinley, an outside bet for the team, did his chances no harm as he finished runner-up to Clarke.

Clarke said, "It's nice to win knowing that I had to play well and then actually doing it. I had two weeks to try to impress Nick. The first is out of the way and I seem to have done that.

"I don't know if I have done enough, but I'm going to Gleneagles next week in better shape and hopefully he will take notice."

Ryder Cup veteran McGinley said, "It was a good effort, but all credit to Darren. There are only two picks, so it's a tight situation, but I'm going to have to win in Scotland to give myself a chance.

"As everybody knows, it's about winning. I've no complaints - I've not played well enough, but there's one more event and I'll certainly be giving it 101%."

Clarke has risen from 90th to 56th in the world rankings following his victory. Padraig Harrington is still third.