Limerick can upset Cork, insists Mickey Ned

MICKEY Ned O’Sullivan is confident his Limerick team can cause a shock against champions Cork in Sunday’s Munster SFC opener at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.

Yet he also backs the Rebels to be in contention for All-Ireland glory on September 16.

“My gut feeling is that there is a big year ahead for Cork even if we manage to beat them Sunday. They are a very talented team, strong up the middle with plenty of pace on the wings and their recent U21 success is bound to instil confidence.

“They have been kingpins at U21 level for the last four years which has given them some very exciting young players who in time, will graduate onto the senior team.

“Certainly I would fancy them to make a major impact on this year’s championship. Having said that we are not going to Pairc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday to make up the numbers. We are coming from a very low base and I would like to think we have made some progress.

“We took the league very seriously as I wanted our players to get a taste of what it is like playing the top teams and in fairness to the lads they responded superbly. We lost a few games we could have won, and took a point off the eventual winners Donegal.”

Despite the defeats O’Sullivan was extremely satisfied with the lessons learned during the league. “It was a great learning process for a number of our younger players who were competing at that level for the first time. Those matches gave players confidence, and while we must drop down a division next season, we’ll show the benefit of playing in the top flight.

“Having said all that there is a difference between league and championship. There is a way more intensity in the play for championship.

“Players tend to hit the ground running, games are played at a faster pace and the cut and thrust of the competition tends to bring the best out of players.”

O’Sullivan has given championship debuts to four players for Sunday confident in the knowledge that they won’t let the side down.

“I know we are facing a massive challenge. Every player will have to be at the top of his form and if we get that then we can win. Cork will be favourites but games are not won on paper.”