Cork can master Cats if scoring ace Power is kept in check

KILKENNY include six of last year’s winning team for tomorrow’s All-Ireland MHC semi-final against Cork in Croke Park (1.45pm throw-in).

That link, coupled with the number of players who were part of St Kieran’s handsome win in the All-Ireland Colleges final, is a significant boost according to selector Joe Pike.

“However, you can never tell with minors,” he adds. “When you reach this stage it’s all about winning and getting to the final. It’s a huge occasion for young lads who can often freeze on the day and let you down with a bang. Hopefully, the experience picked up over the last 12 months will stand to them.

“We have played a few challenge matches, but I’m a little concerned that our team hasn’t played to its potential so far. The form against Offaly in the Leinster final certainly wouldn’t be good enough to beat Cork. We’ll have to improve at least 50%. We owe Cork a beating after they took the All-Ireland off us two years ago, but it’s not going to be easy. They are a big physical side, far bigger than our lads, but if we do put it together, we have the players to get us through.”

Kilkenny are still concerned about the fitness of James Fitzpatrick, but Cork have no injury worries.

The Leesiders were expected to win the Munster title but came a cropper against Tipperary in the provincial final. They then struggled to beat Offaly in the All-Ireland quarter-final, eventually before winning by five points after being the same margin down with 10 minutes to go.

Cork have massive potential but so far they too have failed to deliver on it. The Leesiders will have one slight advantage going into the match as coach Denis Ring has first-hand knowledge of the St Kieran’s players as he was also involved with St Colman’s who lost the All-Ireland final to the Kilkenny college. “We have been written off in most quarters,” said Ring. “Kilkenny are a team of all stars, but we are travelling up to have a real cut. We know we are up against it. In all our games our lads have shown glimpses of what they can do and if they put it together for the entire match, we’d in there with a great chance.”

However, Ring will have to come up with a plan to try and contain Richie Power who has been moved closer to goal for this game, and also find a way around John Tennyson the Kilkenny full-back. He was majestic in the colleges’ final, completely blotting out the highly-rated Andrew O’Shaughnessy, and if Cork are to have a realistic chance they must come up with a plan for Tennyson.

Kilkenny appear to hold all the aces, but if Michael Aherne who has been Cork’s most consistent player this season, can keep Power in check, then they could spring a surprise.