Can Cork make it back to back final appearances?
It’s a pairing very few would have predicted, but it’s a reality now as Cork bid to reach successive finals for the first time since 2004, 2005 and 2006.
In ladies football, it’s also Cork v Dublin, there’s a double-header of County Junior B Finals, while all 7 finals in the McCarthy Insurance Group County Football Leagues are down for decision.
All-Ireland Senior Hurling Semi-final
Cork v Dublin on Saturday in Croke Park at 5pm
There’s no separating the Dubs and the Rebels; they played two weeks ago in football, there’s a ladies football tie at lunchtime on Saturday and now this huge game for both - probably more so for Cork given that they are favourites and a defeat would represent a serious setback.
The view that this would be an easy one for Cork was quickly dispelled by manager Pat Ryan and I would imagine that the training session on the Sunday morning after Dublin overturned Limerick, would have been the most important one all year.
Pat is naturally delighted that they are back in Croke Park. “It’s where you want to be at the start of every year, we’re there now and really looking forward to it.”
Pat admitted that they did celebrate the Munster Final win. “You must enjoy the occasion and it was a great occasion; we took the cup to Glen Rovers - Rob’s club - which is only right but we quickly got back to the gym and the field and the focus straight away was on Dublin.”
Pat was really impressed with Dublin’s display in the sensational win over Limerick especially with 14 men for most of the game. “Fantastic performance from start to finish; work rate, passing, shooting accuracy and everything they did was what you want from your team on a big match day.”
The fact that they took down a team of Limerick’s quality was more impressive. “We have all seen at firsthand what Limerick can do to teams and to do in the manner in which they did, speaks volumes from the character within that group.”
Dublin manager Niall Ó Cealleacháin of course was also in charge of the Na Fianna team that defeated Sars in the club final back in January, and Pat could see those traits in Dublin. “It was similar really and that was excellent that day as well.”
It is all of 4 weeks since Cork won the Munster Final in the most dramatic of circumstances and Pat was glad of the break. “It was welcome I must say; we had a busy and hectic few months getting to (and winning) the league final and then straight into the intensity of the Munster Championship so the gap was ideal.”
As with every team injuries have been a factor. “Seamus (Harnedy) is out with a hamstring and Ger (Mellerick) probably won’t make it either, but everyone else is okay and all back training so that’s good.”
The depth in the squad has been tested in recent weeks and all have passed with flying colours, just look at the impact off the bench in the Munster Final.
Conor Lehane and Shane Kingston - apart from converting penalties - both clipped over points, Robbie O’Flynn and Brian Roche also impressed.
Niall O’Leary and Robert Downey also made huge brilliant contributions when introduced as they recovered from injury.
Pat makes the point: “I always say when one player drops out, it’s an opportunity for another to step up and that is exactly what the squad is for.”
Dublin showed what they are capable of, if allowed and this could be the key for Cork.
Limerick given that they are all of 7 years on the go seemed to run out of energy and it was noticeable that a number of their players struggled with the pace that Dublin had.
Cork will match that and more I suspect, they will though need to curb the scoring threat that Dublin possess. Cian O’Sullivan has 3-17 to date, Sean Currie has 1-18 and Ronan Hayes and John Hetherton caused problems when introduced capped with a brilliant goal, while Conor Burke and Brian Hayes are top players.
Barring a last minute reprieve, they will miss the presence of suspended Chris Crummey, while Paddy Smyth, Conor McHugh and Andrew Dunphy all showed their qualities last time out.
Cork’s starting 15 will be changed slightly. Robert Downey and Niall O’Leary will start I believe along with Eoin Downey, Sean O’Donoghue, Mark Coleman and Ciaran Joyce fronting goalkeeper Patrick Collins.
Darragh Fitzgibbon showing a welcome return to form in midfield probably with Tim O’Mahoney.
Who will replace Harnedy in attack, his ability to win puck outs will be missed? Declan Dalton is the likely choice with other 5 nailed on: Healy, Barrett, Connolly, Hayes and Horgan.
Although any one of Kingston, O’Flynn, O’Connell, Lehane and Roche will feature in the selectors’ discussions.
Cork’s preparation has been excellent as Pat explains: “The A v B games are very intense with a lot of players putting their hand up, but this week now will be just sharpening up and getting the mind focussed on the job in hand.”
The manager also had a word for the Cork support. “Incredible at every game especially after what happened to us the 1st day against Limerick, they still backed us to the hilt and I have no doubt they will again on Saturday.”
Of that you can be certain. Cork will want to impose themselves on the game from the off, not allow Dublin build any momentum, so tight marking and limiting their scoring opportunities will be the key.
Then Cork’s fitness levels and hurling sharpness will come into play, they have both in abundance.
The expectation that they will win easily is not being countenanced within the group; they know they face a real battle and the longer Dublin are in it the harder they will be to beat.
For all that, I think Cork will have too much in terms of hurling and scoring ability and enough to win and in the process send us back to HQ for the final in two weeks time.
Best of luck lads and as always, it’s live on C103.
TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Quarter-final
Cork v Dublin on Saturday in Parnell Park at 1.15pm
“It is going to be a massive test for us but one we are really looking forward to,” said Cork player Aine Terry O’Sullivan as they get ready to face Dublin on Saturday.
Aine also is well aware of the challenge they are facing. “Dublin are one of the favourites for the All-Ireland and going to play them in Parnell Park makes it that bit harder.”
Their championship ambitions were on the line against Mayo in Castlebar two weeks ago and they responded in style as Aine explains. “Okay maybe Mayo are not having the best of seasons, they were relegated from Division 1 but are always hard to beat at home, but we played well and Laura O’Mahoney got a vital goal.”
The Beara girl who made a comeback to the panel for the league is happy with their preparations. “We took great confidence from the win last time out and our training has gone well and we feel we are in a good position going into the game.”
It could be said Cork are in transition with a new manager and a host of players having left after incredible service and with promotion back to Division 1 secured, the results since have been mixed to say the least.
They do have some very good players in Katie Quirke, Emma Cleary, Hannah Looney, Aoife Healy, Laura O’Mahoney, Mellissa Duggan and of course Aine Terry.
Dublin had a mixed campaign, held to a draw by an improving Waterford who hammered Cork, but they are an experienced side and playing at home will give them an advantage.
Hannah Tyrell, Kate O’Sullivan, Sinead Goldrick and Abby Shields are among their more experienced players.
This is a tough test for Cork and one I am sure they will embrace but the odds favour Dublin making it to the last four.
McCarthy Insurance Group League and Championship
The divisional and colleges section of both the Premier Senior Hurling and Football Championships have been somewhat downgraded by the number of withdrawals, some at very short notice, and the Board Executive are going to review the situation for next season.
The first of the football semi-finals takes place tonight (Thursday) when UCC and Duhallow meet in Mallow at 7.30pm, and given that the students will be somewhat depleted, the expectation is that Duhallow will win.
Carbery and Muskerry meet in the 2nd semi-final on Tuesday next also at 7.30pm in Castletownkenneigh, a bit harder to call this one but a nod to Muskerry.
6 finals of the County Football Leagues will take place over the weekend, and the efficient manner in which the leagues are run reflects well on all involved, with every club now well prepped for the upcoming county championships.
Promotion and relegation has also been resolved, with some interesting results along the way.
St Nick’s and Canovee meet in the Division 6 decider tonight (Thursday) in Ovens at 7.30pm. When they met in the league, Nick’s won and they are also in the same group of the championship.There are 3 finals on Friday all at 7.30pm. The big one D1 is in Ballygarvan where the ‘Barrs and Clonakilty meet. The latter won the league game and again they are due to meet in the championship which should be a lively encounter.
Ballyvourney is the venue for the D2 decider with Knocknagree and Carbery Rangers and if the Duhallow side have their 3 Cork players, they could be hard to beat and reverse the result of a few weeks ago.
Argideen Rangers and Kilmacabea - a West Cork derby - contest the D7 Final in Rossmore.
On Sunday in Dunmanway at 5pm, it’s Kilmurry v Gabriel Rangers in D5, while the D4 decider of Bandon v Aghabullogue is in Ballymaw, Ballinora’s excellent ground at 7.30pm.