Flynn puts past glories behind him to focus on future

THIS week, in the days leading up to Sunday’s Guinness Munster hurling final, Paul Flynn would prefer not to be reminded about his outstanding display for Waterford in the semi-final replay win over Limerick — or the fact he totalled 4-10 in the two games.

Of course he got personal fulfilment from making a significant contribution to the overall effort, but, he learned a long time ago about the fickleness of human nature how followers can be cruel and kind in equal measure.

Bitter experience taught him that lesson, so, if things don't go well for him on Sunday, he'll know exactly what to expect. The long knives will be out.

"It's the next game that's important, not the last one," he states. "It's nice to play well, but, as you know, you're

remembered if you win things."

The Ballygunner star agrees that in one sense there will be less pressure on them as a result of winning last year. "Now we know how it's done there's not such a great mystery to it, but obviously there's going to be pressure on both sides.

"We will be ready and Cork will be ready too. We're not foolish enough to think it will be anything but a very hard 70 minutes. I think Cork will feel the same way."

Flynn says that while Cork have a few new players, including Setanta Ó hAilpín, basically they still have the nucleus of the 1999 All-Ireland winning team.

"We have played against each other them often enough to know each other's form."

He predicted a Waterford/Cork final as far back as April.

"I fully expected Cork to win, but didn't expect they would do so convincingly.

"Champions are always there to be beaten, but I don't think Cork see Waterford as Munster champions, really, because we haven't crossed paths since last year."

And, despite the benefit of the qualifier system, Flynn insists the real prize is to get to Croke Park via the shortest route.

"No matter what people say, it does mean a hell of a lot to win your provincial title.

"The record books will show Waterford or Cork Munster champions 2003.

"Our attitude is why not Waterford as opposed to Cork."

"It's going to be close, no doubt about that. Cork obviously played well against Clare, but questions were asked if Clare were bad or were Cork excellent.

"It was the same with ourselves the second day against Limerick.

"The one thing you can say, is that we are both there on merit."