New-look Cork won’t surrender title easily against Kerry, insists Cleary

ALL-IRELAND U21 champions Cork begin the defence of their provincial and national titles with a new-look side against Kerry in Tralee this afternoon, (2.30pm).

Fiachra Lynch, Sean Cahalane and Colm O’Neill are the sole first team survivors from last season and while there are five panellists from last year involved, Cork coach John Cleary admits his side face a tough task.

He explained: “It’s a big ask to beat Kerry for a third time in their back yard.

“On the law of averages Kerry are due a win but we don’t intend to give up our titles easily. While we have prepared well by playing challenge games, this is our first championship outing. You don’t know how good or bad your team is until you’ve played in the championship. Kerry have that advantage, and while they didn’t have matters all their own way against Limerick, that game will have brought them on.”

He admitted: “Having to find 12 new players for a team hasn’t been easy. Cork won the corresponding minor final against Kerry in 2005 but not all those players have continued to develop. But our team won’t be lacking preparation or commitment. Nothing gets a Cork footballer going more than the sight of a Kerry jersey.”

Kerry had a poor start against Limerick last Saturday but upped the tempo in the second half to romp to a comfortable win.

Two players were central to victory — Tommy Walsh and Killian Young. Walsh was in magnificent form when moved to full forward and kicked five points from play while Young was hugely influential powering forward from centre back. However it’s not just a two man operation.

Mike O’Donoghue impressed when he changed places with Walsh, David Moran gave them a grip on midfield with his superb high fielding, while Rory O’Connor was devastating from placed balls.

Cork’s incentive is to become the first side to win five Munster titles in a row, but they must match Kerry’s hunger if they are to achieve that goal.

The other semi-final pits Waterford against Tipperary who defeated Clare last weekend (Ardfinnan, 2.30pm)

The visitors include many of the senior side, enjoying a good NFL run, but the lack of a first round game may prove costly.

Tipperary will be without John Hennessy and Seamus Grogan both of whom were red carded in first round against Clare but home advantage, last week’s win and the experience of last year’s final could work in the Premier’s favour.