Sheedy: Cats architects of own downfall

CORK hurling selector Fred Sheedy believes Kilkenny were architects of their own downfall in Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC semi-final loss to Galway.

Sheedy believes the Leinster champions gave the Galway forwards too much freedom in the thrilling encounter at Croke Park on Sunday.

“It was a fantastic game of open hurling and a joy to watch, but some of the marking was very poor which resulted in a lot of scores,” said the Kilworth man.

“Not alone were Galway fast in the forward line but defensively they were out in front for every ball. Whether they can repeat that display against us only time will tell but you have to be concerned about the pace at which they play the game.”

He admits that the Cork management team will busily dissect Sunday’s super showdown.

“We’ll sit down and have a look at what needs to be done. We had two selectors at the game and they’ll give us a complete run down on the game.

“You have to hand it to Galway. They have improved in every game they’ve played this year. They have already beaten Cork at minor and intermediate level and if they do the same to our U21s on Saturday, they will be in line for all the hurling titles.

“They are on a mighty roll now and are going to be very difficult to stop. Having said that I feel our backs can minimise the Galway forwards. Certainly they won’t gain the same space as they got against Kilkenny.”

Sheedy admits that Cork’s experience of big days at headquarters will be a bonus.

“I would be hoping that having contested the last two finals that the experience we’ve gained will stand to our lads.

“It’s a daunting task going into Croke Park to play in your first senior final, but this is a very young Galway side and they won’t have any fears.

“Our backs and midfield must be the best in the country at the moment and both these areas have been the launching pad for our success in last year’s final. Hopefully we can win those areas again.

“It would be a marvellous achievement to put back to back titles together. The last time Cork did it was in 1976-77 as part of the three in a row success. Galway did it in 1987-88 when their current coach Conor Hayes was captain both years. Kilkenny repeated that feat in 1992-93.

“This is our third final in a row and it would be nice to go one better than the team of 1982-84 who only won one title. Galway have never beaten Cork in a senior final and that’s a record we want to keep intact.”

Meanwhile, Cork will be without Ronan Conway for Saturday’s Erin All-Ireland U21 HC semi-final against Galway in Limerick (3.30pm).

The Bishopstown player broke his hand in the Munster final against Tipperary and will be a big loss to the Rebel attack. James Bowles, who failed a fitness test before the Munster decider, is also a cause for concern.

Galway have no such worries. They will include two seniors, Niall Murray and David Collins, in their team as they endeavour to reach the final which would put them in line for a clean sweep of All-Ireland titles.

On the home front, Cork get back into training tonight for the All-Ireland senior final against Galway on September 12, but injuries will rule Neil Ronan (Ballyhea), Brian Corcoran and Kieran Murphy (Erin’s Own) out.

Ronan came on for his club in the county Premier IHC semi-final against Youghal and aggravated an ankle ligament injury. Corcoran is struggling with a shoulder injury while Murphy has a broken finger.

All other inter-county players involved with their clubs in the SHC quarter-finals were hugely impressive and came through without injury.