A bridge too far for hat-trick seekers

IT would be a “truly phenomenal sporting achievement” if Kilkenny win Sunday’s All-Ireland final and complete the three in-a-row, according to Cork legend and current Waterford manager Justin McCarthy.

“What this Kilkenny team have already achieved with back-to-back titles, one before that in 2000, and a couple of league titles thrown in for good measure, is both remarkable and monumental, particularly in the modern climate where the preparations and demands on players is absolutely colossal,” he said.

Asked why Kilkenny are so successful and so difficult to beat, particularly in All-Ireland finals, McCarthy maintained: “Kilkenny are the craftiest county playing hurling, They have the know-how, the tradition, the skill and the experience. And they have the perfect set-up.

However, McCarthy senses that teams are not as fearful of Kilkenny as they might have been: “They struggled in some of their league games this season and lost to Wexford in the Leinster championship.

They did cut loose against Galway in the qualifiers and gave one of the best all-round team performances I have seen for a long time on that occasion.

“But they have been just holding on in other games. They were very lucky the first day against Clare and never controlled them either in the replay. We gifted them a three-goal start in the semi-final but proved better than them in the second-half. Unfortunately, time ran out on us.

“The long campaigns over the past number of years, plus the injuries they have had to contend with are beginning to take their toll and that they are not as fresh as heretofore.

“Also there will be more pressure on them because of the three in-a-row thing. I suspect this could be a game too much for them.”

Turning to Cork, Justin said: “They are as good as last year and they are not relying as much on individuals.

“They had a lot easier passage to the final than Kilkenny and should be the fresher of the two teams. But they will face a much tougher physical battle than they have received up to now.

“Kilkenny like to get on top of teams from the start and it will be imperative for Cork to stick with them early on. I would also expect a big burst from Kilkenny at the start of the second-half, but if Cork succeed in containing them, and the game is close going into the last quarter, than I believe Cork will succeed.

“The weather could be a vital factor because if it is a squally day the pace of the game will be slowed-down and this will not suit Cork.”