Gaynor eager to stop Cork’s three in-a-row bid

TIPPERARY coach Len Gaynor is under no illusions about the challenge Cork pose in tonight’s Munster IHC final at Semple Stadium (7.30pm).

“Cork are going for their third title in a row which is a tribute to the talent they have at their disposal as they have had to field a new team each year,” said Gaynor.

“The intermediate championship is highly prized in Munster. Consequently there are some great games between the counties before the destination of the title is decided. Tipp are in need of any bit of success and we’d gladly settle for a victory tonight.

“It’s a very difficult grade to organise because of club commitments, but on the other hand at least the players’ fitness is not in question.

“Any player should be proud to wear his county jersey no matter what the grade. The intermediate championship may not be as glamorous as some of the others, but it’s a window of opportunity for players to be seen, and who knows where it can lead to.

“We had two very competitive matches against Limerick and Clare, while Cork have had only the one, against Waterford. That will count for nothing as both Cork and Tipp tend to bring the best out of each other.”

“Home advantage and the extra match should give us a slight edge, but Cork as defending Munster and All-Ireland champions, have every incentive to make it a hat-trick of wins, I’m expecting a tremendous battle.”

Cork coach John Keane, in his second season in charge, has yet to lose a championship game at this level.

“I’m not involved for records.

“Tipperary on home soil will be very hard to beat and I understand they have made no secret of their ambition to dethrone us,” he said.

“It’s been weeks since we played Waterford and club activity has disrupted our preparation. At least all the players have been active with their clubs and there will be no question about their fitness.

“Since our last game we have lost Jason Fleming who has emigrated and Brendan Coleman is injured, but the replacements won’t let the side down. Whenever Tipp and Cork get together you’re guaranteed a good game and tonight will be no exception.

“We’ll have no excuses if we are beaten, but I can guarantee you it will take a very good team to do that.”