Liam Sheedy: If Cork can't block out the noise, use it as fuel

The reality is it should make no difference what the outside world thinks but sometimes you can use it as fuel in terms of creating a ‘them against us’ mentality.

Okay, lads now let's get in formation: Cork manager Kieran Kingston speaks to members of the cork team as they assemble for the traditional pre match photograph before the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3 match between Cork and Clare at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

We are hitting the death zone of the Munster and Leinster championships. Hopefully this weekend’s hurling will have us all gasping for air. Come Sunday evening things should have taken shape and there will be teams bouncing into training next Tuesday evening with Everest still in sight.

Clare’s trajectory is definitely upward. Two home games left and two impressive performances behind them, with spells of scintillating play. To deliver silverware, they will have to sustain their purple patches longer with the All-Ireland champions and league winners left to play. But Brian Lohan looks to be building something really solid.