It is difficult to recall such a low-key build-up to Cork-Tipperary in the Munster hurling championship. Part of that is the fact they've rarely met in the first round, as early as May 22nd, and both teams would be hoping there's a long season ahead. Which is why it probably won't feel like the end of the world for either team if they lose on Sunday.
The game also comes against the backdrop of what it currently means to win the Munster title, and the worry whether or not winning is actually a hindrance to All-Ireland ambitions.
At this stage, not one of the last 10 Munster champions have won the All-Ireland. Four of the last five champions have been beaten at All-Ireland semi-final stage. And looking specifically at this game, it’s 50 years now since a team won three significant games in Munster (excluding beating Kerry) and then went on to win the All-Ireland. That was Cork, back in 1966.
That’s not saying the Munster title isn’t still celebrated. Last year, Tipp fans and management were pretty euphoric in celebrating their win. In 2015, there was a huge pitch invasion in Páirc Uí Chaoimh, when Cork won. It felt like one of Cork’s best ever victories in the Munster championship.
And the previous year Limerick fans also invaded the pitch after their team won.
There’s also supposed to be an advantage going straight into the semi-final, whereas that mightn’t actually be the case. Sure, Kilkenny’s all-powerful dominance skews that a little bit, provides a sort of counter-argument; still, is winning the Munster championship as important now in relation to winning the All-Ireland?
Now, having said all that, Sunday in Thurles is going to be a massive game, one of the glamour ties for sure. Cork supporters love coming to Thurles and Cork love playing there too, so I’ve no doubt there’ll be great atmosphere.
Better players
I actually expect a huge game from Cork, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if the overturn Tipp. On paper, Tipp probably have the better players. Then they haven’t been seen since the league quarter-final. Typically, in Tipp that absence creates local speculation and confusion about the make-up of the team and the form in training going into the first championship match, which can often be ill-informed.
Tipp have some notable additions from last year – Michael Breen at midfield, and particularly John McGrath in the forward line. They were impressive in the league, and McGrath adds further scoring power to an already potent attack which includes Séamus Callanan and Bubbles O’Dwyer, provided they’re on better form than they showed against Clare. Tipp’s league form was patchy, typified by the display against Clare, where they had ample chances to win but lost a tight game.
The potential is definitely there. Michael Ryan has brought in athletic players like Séamus Kennedy, and these are the type of players that Tipp need to kick on from the last few years. Some freshness is required, because Tipp’s ambition again this year is to win the All-Ireland, and I think they will be contenders. They just can’t afford to be derailed here, even if they don’t beat Cork.
They will know Cork have been targeting this game and shouldn’t be complacent. There is that question over Tipp’s mental state, losing so many big games by a point or two. That may be just coincidence, but you can’t ignore it either. They’ve had chances to win these big games.
The All-Ireland in 2014. Galway last year, and certainly to beat Clare in Ennis in the league quarter-final. It’s not just about the final minutes either; it’s about more concentration, less profligacy overall. Those questions are valid until this group backs up that 2010 victory, really.
In some ways it’s a bigger game for Cork. Their league form was very poor, except for that win over Galway at the end, saving themselves from relegation. That will have done good things for the psyche, and they’ve a lot to prove against Tipp, especially after the horrific display in 2014 in Croke Park. A lot of those Cork players are still there and will carry the hurt.
Their defence has been a particular weakness over the last number of championships, and again Cork had the highest concession rate in the league. I expect them to have worked hard on their defensive system since the league, and I also expect them to be a lot more physical this year. They were out-muscled by Galway last year, and Kieran Kingston knows that and has done a lot more strength and conditioning work this year.
They’ll most likely use a sweeper, which Jimmy Barry Murphy just wasn’t into, and if they can hold up in defence, which they may well do, they have the forwards, especially Séamus Harnedy, to me one of the best around. And he’s in form.
In recent challenges against Wexford, and Clare, Cork were especially physical so they’ll be ready. They’ll be out for revenge against Tipp, and it’s a perfect set-up for a Cork ambush. And who knows where their season will go after that.
Contenders
Again neither team will feel like they’re out of it on Sunday evening, but of the two, Tipp are more likely All-Ireland contenders. Still I give Cork a huge chance. The outsiders in Cork-Tipp games have regularly upset the odds: it reminds me a little of 1990, when Tipp were raging hot favourites to beat Cork, and got turned over.
There’s a big game for both Dublin and Wexford in Croke Park on Saturday evening too, especially after a poor 2015. Dublin probably have the better players here, but remain very patchy. It would a bad defeat for Dublin to lose this, and they should have the experience and physicality to win.
Like Cork, Wexford have great incentive. It’s the first game in Croke Park since 2008 which is unbelievable, and they’re crying out for success. They’ve been written off by everyone, and have nothing to lose really, but if they find some 2014 form they can win. But it’s not always easy to find it, just switch it on. There won’t be much in it, and to be honest neither team look like All-Ireland contenders at this stage.
