Can the footballers make it 3 from 3?
Having made their best start to the league in a good number of years John Cleary’s side head to Offaly in a bid to take their 3rd win on the bounce, while the camogie leagues get underway.
Allianz NFL D2
Cork v Offaly in O’Connor Park Tullamore on Sunday at 2pm
Having had a two week break, manager John Cleary said it was timely. “Very much so after 3 weeks in a row (Kerry in McGrath Cup), two away from home it was ideal and made all the better that we had won our two league games.”
Reflecting on the win over Louth, the manner in which Cork controlled the 2nd half was very pleasing. “I suppose the scores we got just before half-time that put us 8 points up allowed us to do that, Louth got it back to 4, but we saw it out by just picking off points.”
Again the impact off the bench was important: “Absolutely with both Ian (Maguire) and Dara (Deasy) doing very well and unlike last year we have very few injures and that helps.”
And on the injuries, “Conor (Corbett) is working away, as is Cathal (O’Mahony) while Sean (Walsh) got a knock against Louth and we will have a look at how he is in training.”
The other aspect that must be taken into consideration is the Sigerson Cup Final, which was played last night (Wednesday) featuring UCC and UL. As John explains, “between both teams we have 7 players involved, so that might impact our team selection with knocks and a tough game, but we see how it goes.”
Offaly may have lost their two games but John is well aware that playing at home will help. “There’s no question about that, they were very competitive the first round against Louth and only conceded late on, while I suppose the goals that Kildare got gave them too much to do.”
John though is cautious: “They have some very good young players and like us, they would have worked hard the last two weeks and we know it will not be easy.”
Consistency though is what the manager is looking for. “We left it late to beat Cavan and at times the last day, we were a bit off, but look its early in the season and if we can get a consistent 70 plus minutes we are well capable of winning.”
Offaly are as John said a very young team and they do have some excellent players in Shane O’Toole, Lee Pearson, Diarmuid Egan, Keith O’Neill 0-7 against Kildare, Harry Plunkett and Jack McEvoy.
Cork have gone with more or less the same team for both games and barring injury that is unlikely to change.
The question is now will they keep Maguire and Deasy in reserve or will he start the captain for the first time this league?
Tom Walsh, Luke Fahy, Daniel O’Mahoney and Brian O’Driscoll are very consistent in defence.
Colm O’Callaghan has been outstanding in midfield in both games and in the Louth game he won almost every ball that came his way.
In attack Steven Sherlock, Chris Óg Jones and Mark Cronin bagged important scores in both wins to date.
This is a game Cork should win and I expect them to do it which would then set them up nicely for the visit of Meath in a couple of weeks time.
The match is live on C103.
Centra Camogie League D1
Cork v Waterford on Saturday in Walsh Park at 2pm
It will be a much changed Cork team that begins the defence of the league title with a tricky looking tie against good Waterford side.
Retirements, travel, injuries and players taking a break will test the depth of the squad.
Manager Ger Manley though has taken the view that it’s an opportunity for others to lay down a marker. “It is of course and we have brought in a lot of young players and we will use them in the league and if they take the chance it will be of benefit the team going forward.”
Of those not involved, Ger paid tribute to Laura Treacy who has retired from inter-county action. “Great player, one of the best ever to play with Cork and she gave the county outstanding service and her experience and presence will be missed.”
UCC winning the Ashbourne has also been a boost. “We had players with the team and they all played very well so they’re coming back in pretty good form and that’s a help.”
Injuries and St Finbarr’s long season is also a factor: “There are a few players with knocks - Amy O’Connor and Meabh Cahalane among them - while we do have Izzy O’Regan back a couple of the ‘Barrs players are also with us so all and all, we’re okay.”
Libby Coppinger has also decided to concentrate on camogie for this year which means for the first time in a while there are no dual players with either Cork team and that will make fixture planning that bit easier.
Preparation has been a bit difficult. “With the weather we have had very few pitch sessions, a couple of games on astro pitches, but we are here tonight and our thanks to Cloughduv for that.”
Waterford will test Cork especially at home. “Oh they will they have some quality players that we know all about; we have had some tough games with them over the years and this one will be no different.”
Beth Carton, Lorraine Bray and Niamh Rockett have been their most effective and consistent players over the years and will be keen to start with a win.
What is Ger hoping to get from the league? “Well like everyone else the championship is the priority but we look to win our games and build up the squad, after the league we have the Munster Championship so before we know it the season will come on us quickly.”
Ger can call on the experienced Laura Hayes, Meabh Murphy, Saoirse McCarthy, Emma Murphy, Ashling Thompson and Libby Coppinger for this opener and while Waterford will be fancied, Cork will certainly test them.
There also a few slight adjustments to the rules that will be trialled during the league, they might not really impact on the game.
One allows for a sideline cut in your own half to be taken from the hand, and no substitutions may take place in added time at half-time or full time.
In the All-Ireland Minor Championship having lost their opening game, Cork will look to get back on track on Sunday when they play Limerick in Castle Road at 2pm. Another defeat would seriously hamper their chances of making progress.
Lidl LF National League Division
Cork v Armagh in Crossmaglen on Sunday at 1pm
This game was postponed last weekend and Cork could have Aofie Healy back as she was involved with UCC in winning the Ashbourne Cup last Sunday and that would be a nice boost.
There’s an unfamiliar look to the table with Waterford unbeaten after 3 games on top, with All-Ireland champions Dublin bottom and pointless after their 3 games.
Cork have made a very positive start with 4 points from 2 games and a win on Sunday would keep them very much in contention even if they do have some tough games coming up.
The game will be played in St Oliver Plunkett’s Ground Crossmaglen.
Hurlers remain unbeaten
Ben O’Connor’s post match comments have certainly drawn a reaction from various sources but anyone that knows the man will know that is the way he operates - straight to the point and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything.
His argument as to the sending-offs was spot on. I have looked at it several times and there was not a nasty blow struck and without doubt Shane Barrett and Jason Forde can deem themselves unlucky to get red cards.
It could be a double blow for Barrett who now faces the prospect of missing two games having been sent off last year, ironically by the same referee.
With 3 games remaining, Cork are well on course to make the league final. Last year 9 points got them there and given that they are currently on 6 and should beat Offaly in the last round in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaomh, one win from the Kilkenny game or the Limerick match could see them finish on 10 points.
There’s a lot to be played for yet though, while the panel is really benefitting with players getting plenty of game time and a few more yet among them like Shane Kingston and Ciarán Joyce who are yet to see some action.
Final word on the attendance - that there was close on 31,000 on a Saturday night in February is testimony to the support this team has generated. I also understand that a lot of tickets have already been sold for the Offaly game, while if the away support at the Galway match is any indication, expect big crowds to hit the road for those games as well.