Camogie/All-Ireland Final/Tipperary v Cork: Camogie's annual prime-time event takes centre stage tomorrow and judging from last season's thrilling finale between these teams, an entertaining afternoon can be expected - so long as Cork don't pull away from a much-changed Tipperary line-up.

While Tipperary have long been a hurling power, 1999 was the breakthrough year for the Premier County in camogie. The golden generation won four All-Irelands during the following five attempts - all at the expense of Cork - with the current champions interrupting their dominance in 2002 and again, of course, last September.

The worm appears to have turned. Two thirds of Tipperary's famed half-back line, Ciara Gaynor and Thérèse Brophy, have departed.

Add former attacking linchpin Deirdre Hughes, Noelle Kennedy and Angie McDermott and the owners of 25 All-Ireland medals between them are missing.

Last year's late blitz by Cork put an end to what had been a memorable era. "They owe nothing to Tipperary anymore," admitted manager Paddy McCormack before he went to great lengths to highlight the positive side of the quintets departure. It doesn't really wash.

Inspiration will be sought from the likes of Claire Grogan's shooting prowess in midfield and captain Philly Fogarty at centre back. Granted, it is a reflection of the county's strength in depth that they are contesting the All-Ireland final, edging past Kilkenny in the semi-finals, in what is a transitional period.

Cork beat a fancied Galway with four points to spare en route to Croke Park.

The champions are a young team, used to victory, including three over Tipperary in their four meetings this year, and look well capable to regaining the O'Duffy Cup for a 22nd time.

"I think it gets harder every year to be honest," said captain and corner back Joanne O'Callaghan. "The pressure is more intense, but

I suppose you get that being the holders. Tipp are a very good side and it is always a tight game when we play them. I'm sure Sunday will be no different. There will probably be no more than a puck of a ball in it.

"While we beat Galway in the semi-final by four points I actually don't think we have reached peak form yet. While we may be in the final I still think there is more in the tank and hopefully we can hit top gear on Sunday."

With midfielder Breige Corkery, Jennifer O'Leary at wing forward and the goal- scoring prowess of Elaine Burke in the corner, all the indications are of a Rebel haze descending on Croke Park by tomorrow evening.