Cork minors to end Tipp's hat-trick aspirations

TIPPERARY are chasing a hat-trick of titles when they play Cork in the Munster MHC final at Semple Stadium tomorrow (1.15 pm). The defending champions have made

our changes from the side which defeated Limerick in the semi-final, and that’s no surprise because it was one of the poorest minors games in years.

Clearly the Tipperary selectors were far from pleased and have moved to try and remedy the deficiencies, particularly in attack.

Only Richie Ruth, who scored 1-5 of his side’s 1-9 total, looked the part against Limerick and he is certain to pose questions for the Cork defence.

Not surprisingly Tipp have included Shane Long from the start this time. An accomplished athlete, he made a major contribution when introduced in the semi-final.

Tipperary coach Paddy McCormack is well aware of his team’s shortcomings: “We played poorly in our two games, against Waterford and Limerick. In truth Waterford should have beaten us; we improved a bit in the Limerick game but that form would be nowhere good enough tomorrow.

“I’ve always said you can never tell with minors. One day they are up, the next they are down. To illustrate my point, last year we travelled to Páirc Uí Chaoimh to play Cork in the final as no hopers and came away winners by a goal.

“Munster final day is different from any other day. It’s a great occasion for a young player but it can also be very daunting. I would like to think we have improved a bit more since the semi-final.”

Cork were marginally better in their semi-final win over Clare, the second time they defeated the Banner in this year’s championship, and have made just the one forced change.

Brendan Ring has recovered from illness but the selectors were not prepared to risk him and that has given Brian Canty the chance to join his brother Kevin in the half forward line with Brendan Barry moving into the corner in Ring’s place.

Cork coach Denis Ring is pleased with his team’s preparations and feels Tipperary will have to play very well to beat them.

“We have been able to do more in the last couple of weeks than we did for the last two years, simply because players finished the Leaving Cert earlier.

As a result, I’m far happier going in against Tipperary than I was last year.

“Having said that I think there will only be a puck of the ball between the teams. I wouldn’t read too much into Tipp’s display against Limerick as they have always found them very difficult to beat.

“If our half backs get on top early, I would be very hopeful. It’s probably the best line we have since I became involved. I would agree that with minors you can never tell. It’s all about performing on the day”.

Over the last decade, both counties have monopolised the Championship, Tipp being successful six times to Cork’s four.

On the strength of their more impressive display in their semi-final, Cork are taken to deny Tipp the hat-trick.

CORK: K. Barry (St. Vincents); O. O’Sullivan (Ballyhea), N. Horgan (Glen Rovers), M. Foley (Carrigtwohill); S. O’Neill (Bishopstown), M. Aherne (Ballinhassig), B. Clifford (Lisgoold); M. Harrington (Douglas), D. Lucey (Bandon); K. Canty (Valley Rovers), B. Coleman (Ballyhea), B. Canty (Valley Rovers); B. Barry (Killeagh), A. Ó hAilpín (Na Piarsaigh), M. Allen (Ballygiblin).

TIPPERARY: D. Egan (Kildangan); I. Delaney (J. K. Brackens); S. Ryan (Moneygall), C. Hayes (Kildangan): N. Teehan (Gortnahoe), P.Stapleton (Borrisoleigh), R. McGrath (Davins); K. Bergin (Killenaule), J. B. McCarthy (Golden); S. Long (Gortnahoe), D. Sheppard (Moycarky), J. Woodlock (Drum); R. Ruth (Sarsfields), D. Young (Toomevara), D. Morrissey (Golden).