Cork minors will be all out to foil Tipperary’s four-in-a-row bid

TIPPERARY will be bidding for their fourth successive Munster MHC title when they play Cork at Semple Stadium, Thurles tomorrow (1.45).

The Premier County last achieved that feat between 1959 and 1962. However, Cork hold the record for successive provincial titles, having captured seven from 1966 to 1972.

Tipp, who boast seven of last year’s side, enter the game as firm favourites. They looked impressive in their wins over Clare while Cork struggled to defeat Waterford and then Limerick in the semi-final.

As a result, the champions have kept faith with the team which defeated the Banner last time out while Cork have made two changes from their semi-final victory.

Newtownshandrum’s Cathal Naughton comes in at right corner-forward in place of Richard O’Connell. A gifted soccer player, Naughton, who has had trials will Nottingham Forest, will be making his championship debut.

“Tipp have something of a hoodoo over us in recent years,” said Cork boss Denis Ring. “We’ve had their measure in the last three finals, but failed to push it home and paid the price. This year it’s another huge task for us as they have excellent team again, But the pendulum has to swing our way sometime, and I’m hoping tomorrow will be that time.”

The seven Tipperary players who figured last year are: Ian Delaney, James Woodlock, Shane O’Brien, Kieran Bergin, James McCarthy, Dara Egan and Shane Long, whose two goals were decisive in the 2003 decider.

Cork, who include Neil Horgan, Shane O’Neill, Kevin Canty and Brendan Ring from last year, have every incentive to stop them their four-in-a-row bid and capture the title for the first time since 2000.

CORK: K. O’Halloran; B. Coleman, N. Horgan, M. McCarthy; E. Cadogan, P. Cotter, S. O’Neill, capt.); R. Conway, J. O’Leary; P. Cronin, C. Keane, F. O’Leary; C. Naughton, K. Canty, B. Ring.

TIPPERARY: M. Ryan; I. Delaney, J. Heffernan, R. McLoughney; S. O’Brien, J. McCarthy, R. McGrath, capt.); J. Dixon, K. Bergin; S. Scully, P. Ivors, J. Woodlock; D. Hickey, D. Egan, S. Long.