Contrasting league positions for Cork teams

The group phase of the Allianz National Leagues are nearing their conclusion; the hurling ends on Sunday and it’s the penultimate round of the football.

For the respective managers, it’s contrasting fortunes. The footballers with just 1 point from 5 games are on the cusp of relegation to Division 3, while the hurlers have secured a semi-final spot and all that remains to be decided is the finishing order between themselves and Wexford which will be decided when they meet on Sunday.

A number of important camogie games are down for decision while Rochestown College have the small matter of an All-Ireland Final on Saturday.

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Cork v Down on Sunday at Páirc U Chaoimh at 1pm

It is seems every week since the league began Cork have been playing must-win games, and this one fits easily into that category. The simple facts with this one are the losers will be relegated and could also end up playing in the Tailteann Cup - a huge comedown for two sides who contested the All-Ireland Final of 2010.

Down were somewhat unlucky to lose to Offaly last Saturday but the fact that they conceded the last 4 points, and while playing at home is an indication that their confidence must be pretty low right now.

Similarly with Cork, an 8 point defeat to Meath and a mounting injury list must be sapping the morale of players and mentors alike.

Sean Meehan is the latest player to have his season halted, while Mattie Taylor did not appear for the second half in Navan and he must be rated doubtful for Sunday.

If Taylor is ruled out, it will remove another experienced defender from the team; something they can ill afford as they have been under huge pressure in all the games to date.

Worryingly they have conceded a lot of scores in most games and while Down have not exactly set the world alight with their displays, that is a trend will need to correct if they are to have any chance of getting something out of this vital match.

Miceal Aodh Martin coped comfortably on Sunday and was a bit unlucky with the penalty, Kevin O’Donovan was also quite good, but for the first time in the campaign Tadgh Corkery struggled as did most of the other defenders.

In midfield Ian Maguire worked himself to a standstill as he always does but he needs help and that must be a priority and unless that issue is resolved, Cork will find it hard to get primary possession.

Steven Sherlock has been excellent since his re-introduction and he was very effective again last Sunday, Brian Hurley offered good support as did Cathal O’Mahoney when introduced while it was also good to see Brian Hayes make an appearance as the ‘Barr’s player has a lot to offer.

Down will look to Barry O’Hagan, Liam Kerr, Niall McParland, Finn Mc Elroy and Anthony Doherty as they like Cork seek their first win of the campaign.

Picking a winner between two sides bereft of confidence is never easy, but maybe just maybe home advantage might just give Cork the edge.

Commentary as usual is on C103.

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Cork v Wexford at Chadwick’s Wexford Park on Sunday at 1.45pm.

I have no doubt that at the outset of the campaign Cork manager Kieran Kingston would have settled for this; one game to go and a place in the semi-final secured -like Wexford. The winners of this game will top the group and thus play the runners-up in the other group, likely to be Waterford or Kilkenny in the last four.

The other plus for Kieran and his management team will be the amount of valuable game time that the younger members of the panel got - all of whom have performed brilliantly, I’m thinking of Ciaran Joyce and Daire O’Leary in particular. Ger Mellerick has also been excellent with his work rate and distribution top class.

There are of course a few areas that Kieran was concerned about, a couple of periods where the opposition have dominated, and also a failure to finish strongly left them slightly vulnerable.

That said there are more pluses than minuses.

Tim O’Mahoney and Mark Coleman have been excellent, there’s been the return to top form of Darragh Fitzgibbon, Seamus Harnedy is working as hard as ever and Conor Lehane has made important contributions. As for Patrick Horgan, I don’t think Kieran is planning for life without him just yet.

What 15 will start on Sunday? It’s an opportunity to get game time into a few more players, a change of goalkeeper perhaps, starts again for Connolly, Barrett, and maybe even Alan Cadogan who lined out with his club at the weekend, and reportedly did well.

Wexford under Darragh Egan have been equally impressive and going to Galway and winning really made everyone take notice, so on home soil they will be keen to maintain their unbeaten run.

The approach of both sides will be interesting with the semi-final a week later, the performance more than the result will be a priority, winning though is a habit that is a good one to have, which should make for an interesting and lively encounter and the respective managers will know a lot more about their squads after this encounter.

Live commentary is on C103.

Camogie

It’s another busy weekend with three teams in action all important games.

The big news from last weekend was the seniors making the Division 1 Final thanks to a draw with Kilkenny who had to win. That was good enough thanks to a superior scoring difference. That match was in extremely difficult conditions last Saturday in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

In the final they will play Galway or Tipperary who meet next weekend to decide top spot in Group A.

It’s all of 9 years since Cork last won the league and manager Matthew Twomey has made no secret of his desire to end that long wait.

Like the Cork footballers last week, the Division 2 team head to Páirc Tailteann in Navan on Saturday to play Meath. It’s a 3pm start, where a win for either side will go a long way to making the semi-final.

Cork have improved a lot since the opening day loss to Wexford and worked hard to get the better of a battling Derry side again in difficult conditions on Saturday to maintain their push for a play-off place.

Rachel O’Shea got the vital goal while Kelly Falvey, Niamh O’Leary, Finola Neville, Joanne Casey, Leanne O’Sullivan and Hayley Ryan all impressed while it was good to see Lauren Callanan make a return from injury as this ball of energy has a lot offer in a tight contest.

Meath, who have been somewhat overshadowed by the exploits of their counterparts in Ladies Football, will be difficult opponents at home, but based on the fact they only had a narrow win over Kildare whom Cork beat comfortably, would suggest a victory on the road should put Cork within touching distance of a semi-final spot.

Having overcome a gallant Waterford side after extra-time, Cork now progress to the All-Ireland Minor semi-final and a meeting with Munster rivals Tipperary on Sunday, time and venue to be confirmed.

Cork though could benefit from the game as it will have brought them up to championship pace having had a few weeks off. The management will also look for improvement in areas where they were troubled by Fergal Hartley’s side.

Orlaith Cahalane, Jill Connaughton, Orlaith Mullins, Ciara Morrisson, Leah Hallihane and Megan Martin all made important contributions at vital stages and they will look for a repeat if they are to make the final for the second year in a row.

All-Ireland Colleges Final

Games at this level are slowly winding down but it’s a huge day for Rochestown College on Saturday next when they play Claregalway College in the Masita All-Ireland College’s Senior B Hurling Final in Meelick at 2pm.

This is a strong looking Rochestown side backboned by several players who featured in the County Premier Hurling Championship last year which is of a very high standard.

William Buckley with 0-11 and Conor O’Donovan with 2-1 were key players in the semi-final, while Ross Brown, Sean Healy, Sean Brady, Adam Buckley and Micheal O’Mahoney all impressed.

There’s a nice balance to the side who have Cork star Alan Cadogan as part of their backroom team, and they look well equipped to bring the Paddy Buggy Cup to Leeside.

Finally congratulations to Beara Community College who came from behind to win the football title last Saturday, although carrying an injury, Fintan Fenner made a vital contribution while the win, which should give football in the peninsula huge boost.