Tompkins: Rebels have massive chance

THE last Corkman to lift the Sam Maguire Cup believes the Rebel county “have a massive chance” of bringing it back to the banks of the Lee after what it likely to be an epic encounter with Kerry tomorrow.

Larry Tompkins captained Cork 19 years ago when they beat Meath by 0-11 to 0-9 and he’s confident the men in red will prevail, especially if they can keep Colm Cooper under control.

“The Gooch is a very good forward and if Cork keep him quiet they’ll be 50% of the way there,” Larry said.

He doesn’t see many weaknesses in the Cork side.

“They have an abundance of talent and are very strong and fit. They are young but also have the experience. Consider that they have used 28 players during this championship and you can see the strength in depth,” he said.

“If the lads go out and play the way they can, then they will do it. They have been consistent all year, apart from a bit of a blip against Limerick. But sometimes you need a kick in the backside like that.”

Larry said his only fear would be if Kerry got off to a good start. “You’d wonder how Cork would react to that?” he said.

Cork’s number one fan, Cyril ‘Sombrero’ Kavanagh, believes the men in red will win by five points.

Cyril hasn’t missed a final Cork have played in since 1973.

“It will be a fierce game. We respect Kerry, but we’re not afraid of them. If Cork win, it could well be the start of a three in a row,” Cyril said.

TV pundit Tony Davis, who won two senior football medals with Cork, believes it will be close, with a final score of 1-15 to 0-15 in Cork’s favour.

It will be Kerry’s sixth senior football final in a row and they will be used to the big occasion.

Tony doesn’t believe the atmosphere will get to the Cork players, though.

“Cork have been without doubt the best team all year. I don’t accept that the match against Limerick was a blip. Limerick are a very good side and they don’t get the credit for that. Kerry were lucky to get over them,” Tony said.

He believes that Kerry will perform on the day, but they will have to be at their very best to overcome a young and gifted Cork side.

“Kerry’s form has been fluctuating all year. Their first-half performance against Dublin was out of this world, but that was aided by Dublin’s ineptitude,” Tony said.

“It will be a very tight and intense game. Cork’s midfield will have to take control and their forwards will have to take their chances. Graham Canty and John Miskella have been outstanding this year and they will be key to winning the final,” Tony said.

Cashman’s Bookmakers make Cork 5/6 favourites.

“A lot of money has come in on Cork in recent days. It’s a red tide and we have had single bets of €10,000 and €5,000 on them,” Paul Cashman said.

Cork’s Daniel Goulding is 7/1 favourite to score the first goal, with Kerry’s Declan O’Connor at 8/1.

The Gooch is 7/1 for man of the match with Cork captain Graham Canty at 10/1.