Forward momentum

MORE eyes than normal on Cork this summer. More minds will be tuned into how the hurlers fare on the pitch. A winter which will see history, hopefully, cast them in the role as brave pioneers for players' rights ensures people will have more than a passing interest in their fate. And it's safe to assume it won't all be good wishes and salutations.

One or two old, embittered die-hards are out there secretly hoping the hurlers will disintegrate in the June heat.

That will show them for having ideas above their station, for having a ridiculous belief that inter-county players should be afforded a little respect in the pursuit of their county's dreams, a square meal and not just a clap on the back. One thing is for certain, the mumbling grumblers will attest, they have no more excuses. This will be the fourth summer since those young Leeside whipper-snappers arrived in Croke Park and stunned the hurling world. To use a worn-out cliche, this year will make or break this team, whether they are bring treated right or not.