Cahill blast ‘amazes’ Cody

“AMAZING, totally amazing.” That was the reaction of Kilkenny manager Brian Cody to claims made yesterday by Antrim boss Dinny Cahill ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland quarter- final clash with Cork at Croke Park.

Cahill declared that Antrim would win the All-Ireland this year. He also vowed his Saffrons would send Cork legend Brian Corcoran back into retirement and the former Tipperary player was scathing in his criticism of Cork centre-forward Niall McCarthy.

Cahill said: “We are going to win the All-Ireland this year. We can win the All-Ireland after getting over this game, anything can happen from there.”

Referring to Corcoran the Antrim manager said: “Cork must have a problem when they recall Brian Corcoran. They have to have problems. They have a dreadful inside forward line all season, couldn’t get the scores. They had to recall a man who was finished playing. Well, he will be finished after Sunday. There’s no doubt about that.

“I talk straight. I say what is true. People can publish what they like but I’m telling the truth. Cork are finished, Brian Corcoran is finished.

“If you’re not positive ... I could be negative here and say Cork are going to win it. But I’m not driving 200 miles to lose. I’m driving 200 miles to win.”

In a cutting reference to Niall McCarthy the Antrim manager said: “If you look back at their games they have had a dreadful centre-forward, but they got away with it.”

Cahill is confident the Ulster champions will reach the semi-final - he feels they should have last year.

“This is what we’ve been training all year for. We started out last November with a view to playing an All-Ireland quarter-final, to get back to Croke Park and do ourselves justice.

“We were good enough last year but two decisions that went against us were dreadful decisions. Everybody knows that. It was a perfect goal we had disallowed, then a free was given against us that was a free out [from which Wexford scored a goal]. That was six points. How many teams can lose six points and recover in a game like that?”

Cahill would not discuss his own future, after three years in charge.

“I’m not looking beyond next Sunday. We’re going to win next Sunday’s game and then we’ll get ready for the next game.”

Reminded of the League hammering by Kilkenny, he fired back: “Can you remember the team we picked? It was a learning experience for most of those lads, it didn’t matter.”

Discussing Antrim’s approach this year, risking relegation from the League to do gym work, he mulled: “Did Galway train for the League and not the Championship? I reckon they went too hard for the League. They’d have been better to lose the League and be ready for the Championship.”

People may doubt his predictions, but there’s no doubting Cahill’s commitment.

“When I’m doing something as regards hurling, I’m head, neck and heels in it, that’s me. In the three years I don’t think I’ve missed a hurling session.” Cahill expects that time and effort to pay off at Croke Park.

“We’re in a very good position next Sunday, and I know with the attitude of the players, we’re going to go out and win that game. I was never as confident of winning any game. Never.”

However, Kilkenny manager Brian Cody says he is amazed at such talk from Cahill.

“It is great to hear Antrim think they can beat Cork and go on and win the All-Ireland. In their quarter-final appearances over the past two years they played outstandingly well and had very hard luck.

“It would be terrific for hurling if Antrim were to come good.

“They didn’t have a good League this season however, but they could still put it up to Cork. Having said that though, I expect Cork to win.”

As regards Cahill’s predictions about Brian Corcoran, the Cats supremo replied: “Brian must be the best full forward in Cork. Otherwise he would not be on the team. He would not have come back if he felt he had nothing to contribute. He was very dangerous in the Munster final. He is a great player. He can still pose a real threat to any defence.”

Cody said he was astonished at Cahill’s remarks about Niall McCarthy. “Niall is an excellent player, one I rate very highly. He had a terrific game against Tipp in the qualifier.”

As to why he thinks Cork will win, Cody said: “Their overall superior strength and experience should see them through, even if Antrim do blow hot. They are very strong in defence and the fact that they lost the All-Ireland last year will make them very eager to go one better.”