'Are We Not Making Enough Noise?' - Ben O'Connor Questions Cork's Treatment By Referees

Ben O'Connor stopped short of criticising referee James Owens after Cork's agonising Munster final defeat to Limerick, but the Cork coach did raise an intriguing question about whether his side are too quiet when it comes to influencing decisions.

Speaking to Colm Parkinson of Smaller Fish after Sunday's dramatic final, O'Connor suggested there were a number of calls that went against Cork and wondered if the Rebels might need to become more vocal.

Ben O'Connor was keen not to take anything away from Limerick's victory, but admitted there were several moments that left him frustrated.

I thought we should have got a few more frees. The couple there in front of us, ball dropping from a puck-out and Brian Hayes being pulled backwards.

William Buckley was turned upside down inside. So is it because we're not making enough noise over it?

We're not throwing the hands up there and throwing a few shapes? I don't know.

But we might learn.

Those comments came after a final packed with talking points, none more controversial than the closing seconds.

Trailing by a point, Cork won a free deep in their own half with what appeared to be the final play of the game.

Instead of launching the ball directly towards the Limerick goal, goalkeeper Patrick Collins played the free short to Mark Coleman. Coleman transferred possession to Tim O'Mahony, but referee James Owens blew for full-time just as O'Mahony struck the ball.

The Cork players were visibly unhappy afterwards, though Ben O'Connor rejected suggestions they aggressively confronted the referee.

They said to me as they were going off the field, but he didn't tell them it was his last puck of the ball.

Whether Cork supporters agree or not, O'Connor's most interesting observation may have been his suggestion that modern teams need to make themselves heard.

After a one-point defeat in a Munster final, he was left wondering if Cork's players are too honest.