Cork’s vaunted half-line can’t be allowed to dictate matters

A LIFETIME of involvement in hurling has given nine-time All-Ireland medallist Noel Skehan a unique insight into the game.

And just like current manager Brian Cody, some significant milestones have revolved around encounters with Cork, leading to a healthy respect for each other’s traditions. Two years ago he was on the sideline when the Rebels thwarted ambitions of three-in-a-row and while he’ll be in the Croke Park stands next Sunday, it doesn’t mean that he will be any less emotionally charged.

He was seeking his fourth medal as a player (having won three as reserve to the late Ollie Walsh) when the counties squared up to each other in the 1978 final. Cork had won the previous two finals against Wexford and their third was a “traditional” final. It’s now history that Cork completed the treble, largely as a result of a Jimmy Barry-Murphy goal from a ball that was deflected past Skehan by one of his own defenders (Dick O’Hara).