Cork hoping forward power can see off Limerick

CORK coach Tony Leahy is cautiously optimistic his side can retain their Munster U21 football title against Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds tonight (7pm).

“There has been a lot of work done on the ground for football in Limerick in recent years and they are certainly no longer a soft touch,” said Leahy.

“Home advantage will be worth a few scores to them and, with six of last year’s team available, they are going to be extremely difficult to beat.

“Having said that, we have a very solid team and while we have been forced to make a couple of changes in defence because of injury, the lads coming in are very experienced, having played senior championship with their clubs.

“Potentially our forwards are very good and if we can get a good supply of ball into them, they will do the business for us. Having Paul Kerrigan available is a big boost. He has lightning pace, which will trouble most defences.

“Midfield may well be the crucial area. Limerick are reputed to be very strong here and we’ll need at least an even break if we are to succeed. We are expecting a very difficult hour and if we can come out of it with a one point victory I’ll be more than happy,” said Leahy.

Limerick won their only provincial title in 2000, when they defeated Waterford 0-7 to 0-4 in Dungarvan before going on to lose the All-Ireland final to a star-studded Tyrone side in Mullingar.

Cork defeated Limerick 1-12 to 0-8 in their last final meeting in 2001.

Included on the Limerick team are five senior panellists - Mick Jones, Shane Gallagher, Ger Aherne, John McCarthy and Sean Buckley - the latter two regulars on the team.

Coach Ger Lawlor, a native of Laois, said his side will have to play very well to topple the champions.

“Any team that defeats Kerry has to be favourites but we will provide Cork with a stern challenge,” he said.

“We are a bit on the young side, with ten of the team underage again next year, but we are a very good footballing team.

“Waterford gave us a right fright in round one. We were a bit slow out of the blocks and they might have hit us with two early goals but for a couple of excellent saves by goalkeeper Mick Jones.

“People are making a lot of home advantage for us but I’d have preferred if the game was being played in the heart of the football territory like Newcastle West, where we would be guaranteed a big following.

“This a huge test for us. We have prepared well and I’m expecting the players to put in a massive effort to bring the title back to the county.”

CORK: Ken O’Halloran (Bishopstown); F. Tobin (Douglas), Kevin O’Halloran (Mallow), A. Tanner (O’Donovan Rossa); D. Limerick (Castlehaven), D Cunningham (St Nicholas), E. Cadogan (Douglas); A. O’Connor (St Colms), P. Kelly (Ballincollig); F. Gould (Macroom), J. Hayes (Carbery Rangers), P. Kerrigan (Nemo Rangers); D. Goulding (Eire Og), P. O’Flynn (Ballyclough), M. Murphy (Ballinora). Subs: P. Cuthbert (St Nicholas), D. O’Connell (Glanmire), G. Leahy (St Finbarrs), C O’Neill (Shamrocks), E Hodnett (O’Donovan Rossa), P. O’Shea (Nemo Rangers), A. O’Sullivan (Castletownbere), J. Kearney (St Nicholas), M. Milner (Randal Og), C. O’Connell (Killavullen), D. Moynihan (Aghabullogue), J. O’Sullivan (Bishopstown).

LIMERICK: M. Jones (Galtee Gaels); S. Fox (Ballylanders), S. Gallagher (Ballysteen), D. McAuley (Monaleen); B. O’Grady (Mungret), J. McCarthy (St. Kierans), E. Benson (Banogue); A. McEntee (Monaleen), Dee O’Leary (Drom/Broadford); S. Buckley (do.), P. Russell (Monaleen), G. Noonan (Drom/Broadford); P. Kirby (Knockainey), J. Cooke (Bruff), G. Aherne (Athea).