Rebels will have to up the ante to dethrone Kingdom, says Ó Croinin

GAEILGE nó Béarla, Cork’s Micheal Ó Croinin is an honest man. Another player might waffle when asked if Kerry are likely to be worried by Cork’s relatively low-key arrival in this year’s Munster final. Ó Croinin doesn’t dissemble in any language.

"I wouldn't think so. Having won the All-Ireland last year Kerry are on a high, and for the last couple of years we haven't overcome them. Jack (O'Connor) is a very clever man, Kerry had a great year last year and he'll be keen to keep them at that level this season."

When it comes to the playing styles of the two teams, the man from Naomh Aban is equally forthright.

"When you're talking about style, everyone knows the Kerry style of football, and I suppose people can see a certain style being played by Cork.

"Usually Kerry seem to like playing the ball in high and long to their forwards, while for a few years now Cork have been playing a short game. Still, on the day that won't make much of a difference."

Ó Croinin also pays ample tribute to the new players Cork have introduced, while noting the quality of the defence they'll face.

"The new lads are pretty young Fintan Goold just came in from the minor ranks last year and I think John Hayes is eligible to play Under-21 next year as well, while James Masters is a small bit older. Still, even though they're young they're first-class footballers, very strong and comfortable on the ball, and it's good to have them on board.

"Kerry's defence is a very good one you've got a player like Aidan O'Mahony, a man who came in last year and won an Allstar, Tomás Ó Sé, footballer of the year, there's the likes of Eamonn Fitzmaurice, Marc Ó Sé, Michael McCarthy then you also have a chap called Seamus Moynihan.

"Kerry have great strength in depth, you could see that the last day against Limerick, they were able to bring in the likes of Dara Ó Cinnéide and young Brian Sheehan. We'll have to raise our game to their level."

Raising the game isn't just a matter for the forwards, of course. The Cork backs may have their hands pretty full also.

"If we can't defend we've got no chance. Our backs will have to be very tight on all the Kerry forwards. People are talking about the likes of Colm Cooper, and he's a top-class footballer, but you've got to keep an eye on the others as well while you're watching Cooper the likes of Declan O'Sullivan and Paul Galvin could be doing plenty of damage. Every player will have to keep an eye on his own man. Declan wasn't as good as he can be against Limerick, but he's bound to be back to his best now."

All the players are aware of the magic of a Munster final; as Ó Croinin points out, it's not the kind of occasion that's dependent on perfect conditions.

"It's a special day, the Munster final; we'd be hoping for conditions like the hurlers had for their final against Tipperary, that'd favour a good game of football. But if the rain comes we'll just deal with it. Wet or dry it makes no difference you still have to win the ball, and take your chances if you want to win no matter what pressure you're under.

"No matter how the game pans out we'll have to deal with whatever comes up I've no doubt that if Plan A for Kerry doesn't work out, then Jack O'Connor has a Plan B, Plan C and Plan D as well."

As ever, past form will have little bearing on a game like this, and Ó Croinin shakes his head when the league encounter is mentioned.

"I don't think there'll be much attention paid to the league match earlier this year Kerry were just back from holidays. I don't think either team will be thinking about that.

"You have to have a plan or two if you're playing in a Munster final. We're hoping our plans work out on the day."