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With their troubles well behind them Cork could be set to soar
WE HAVE become so accustomed to Kilkenny playing in national finals that it will be a little different on Sunday not to have the black and amber in Thurles when the Division 1 and 2 deciders are played. The playing of the finals on a Sunday evening has drawn mixed views, with Galway quite vociferous in their opposition to the 7pm start.
It was a difficult choice for the GAA whether or not to fix the game at the traditional starting time and clash with the Munster versus Biarritz Heineken Cup semi-final or move it to another time. The option of a Saturday evening game caused a similar dilemma as it clashed with the other Heineken Cup semi-final involving Leinster.
The Bank Holiday Monday was an option, but I suspect that would not have received universal approval either.
It is amazing to think that Cork and Galway have never faced each other in a National Hurling League final. That alone makes Sunday’s clash intriguing. While this year’s League had a very unsatisfactory conclusion, the two best teams have reached the final.
Redemption time for Cork
The League has brought redemption to Cork after two disastrous years of conflict off the field. Team manager Denis Walsh knew a strong League showing was essential. Championship 2009 was written off by the Rebels before it started, but the performances gave plenty of hope for 2010.
So it has turned out. Walsh brought in a few new players and reinvigorated many of the old guard. His management style revolves around a strong work ethic and developing a spirit in the camp that has been absent for a few years.
He has the side playing with lots of confidence, but he is smart enough to know that upcoming challenges (most notably the opening Munster championship tie against Tipperary) will be the ultimate test for his team.
Reaching Sunday’s final is a bonus for Walsh and his players. They have every chance of winning silverware, a prospect that seemed remote this time last year. Eoin Cadogan will be a big loss on the edge of the square, and whether he likes it or not the Douglas player will have to opt for either hurling or football. Playing both at inter-county level is no longer a runner.
Great enthusiasm
John Gardiner and Ronan Curran, two of the more established stars, are playing with great confidence and enthusiasm. Their displays are having a hugely positive effect on the rest of the players.
It is too early to judge whether the playing of Aisake hilpn and Michael Cussen in the full-forward line is a success, but it does give Denis Walsh some additional game-plan options. Hurling needs Cork back challenging for titles and it is refreshing to see the headlines different from 12 months ago.
Galway could do with a trophy also after many disappointing outings. The tag of under-achievers does not rest well with the Westerners, but it is hard to argue against the facts that show consistent failure over the years. It should not be like this as few counties have produced so much under-age talent over the years.
Getting that array of talent to gel at senior level has been a conundrum for numerous Galway mentors. Real hope remains, though, that this current crop of players can finally make the breakthrough. Their talent is without question, but their temperament in the heat of battle has regularly been shown to be pretty brittle.
The Canning dilemma
Where to play Joe Canning seems to be one dilemma the Galway mentors are unable to figure out. There is only one spot for the big Portumna attacker, and that is at No. 14. It is up to the Galway mentors to develop a game plan around Canning.
A Plan B is always necessary, but Joe Canning is to Galway what Henry Shefflin is to Kilkenny. In one word, irreplaceable!
The uniqueness of the pairing should make for a great final. Both counties will be desperately keen to get hold of some silverware and gain much needed confidence as they set out on their championship odyssey in a couple of weeks time.
I give Galway a hesitant vote, but only by a whisker.
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Weather for Kilkenny
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
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