Tipperary can close Cork’s last route to All-Ireland redemption

THE choice of Fitzgerald Stadium as the venue for this evening’s Guinness All-Ireland SHC qualifier game between Cork and Tipperary has diverted attention from the attractiveness of the fixture.

Apart from the fact that both were beaten by Waterford by a point, it is also the first meeting of the sides since the Munster Final of 2000 which Cork won.

Cork have endured the most criticism since their loss to Justin McCarthy's side in the provincial decider. Though their management have claimed that several crucial refereeing decisions went against them, a combination of poor shooting, poor defending for Paul Flynn's goal, and bad luck were the key factors in their downfall.

And, then there was the issue of Cork's use of the extra man. The selectors have been accused of being tactically naive and in conversation with hurling people from different counties I have met nobody who agreed with assigning that role to Diarmuid O'Sullivan.

Some of the criticism levelled at the management might be hard to take, because players have to take responsibility too. The bottom line is that Cork left the All-Ireland title slip last year. And, without in any way diminishing the value of Waterford's triumph, the same can be said about the Munster final.

Now, they are presented with the opportunity to win back their self-respect and renew their challenge for the All-Ireland title. Whether or not it's an opportunity they will grasp with open arms is another matter. Firstly it depends on how strongly they can recover and then there is the question of the type of challenge Tipp will present.

They may have struggled in their opening qualifier game against Limerick but such a competitive game is bound to be a huge benefit. There was a slight improvement overall in the attack, the backline looked very strong, especially the half-backs, and Thomas Dunne looked more at home in his best position at midfield.

Cork replace Timmy McCarthy with U-21 player Kieran Murphy of Sarsfields while Brian Corcoran continues at full-forward as he continues to justify his return.

At the start of the season, I would have placed Tipperary marginally ahead of Cork in terms of championship potential, but in the games played so far, Cork offered more. Their big problem has been in delivering.

And, that's why there has to be a major doubt about them winning this game, all the more so since they are likely to face a much more formidable full-back line. Tipperary have got their Munster defeat out of their system and know they can build on their win over Limerick.

On the other hand, Cork have to prove to themselves and their supporters that they can bounce back, psychologically and in the hurling sense.

Anything could happen but I have a slight preference for Tipperary.