Cork hero Crowley hopeful Rebels can tame Tribesmen

FORMER star centre-back Johnny Crowley is optimistic Cork can achieve the right result when they take on Galway in the All-Ireland SHC qualifier at Semple Stadium, Thurles on Saturday.

Crowley, who figured in many mighty battles with the Tribesmen during his illustrious career in which he won five All-Ireland senior medals said: “No doubt Cork will be up against it, particularly if Ben O’Connor is ruled out. But I believe that if they play to their full potential they are capable of beating Galway.

“Having said that, however, this is going to be a huge test for Cork and it would be fatal if they take their foot off the pedal at any stage in the proceedings,” warned Crowley.

He said, “Galway have been lurking in the shadows for a few years now and they have some very talented players in their side. While their games in Leinster, particularly against Kilkenny should stand to them.

However, they appear to be very dependant on Joe Canning at the moment and that is not a particularly good thing. Because no one player, however good he is, can win a match on his own.

“Canning is a colossal talent but Cork full-back Eoin Cadogan is playing well and although he is facing a very tough assignment I believe he is capable of coming out on the right side of his personal duel with Galway’s top scorer.

“Indeed, I feel if the entire Cork defence get in front of their men and cut off Galway’s supply route to goal then victory can be attained by the Rebels. And it must be remembered Galway’s record in major championship games against Cork is not all that great.

“I remember back in 1986 when no-one gave us a snowball’s chance in hell of beating them in the All-Ireland final.

“Of course Ben O’Connor would be a terrific loss if he was forced to miss out. But the Cork bench, with the return of Brian Murphy, is getting stronger and young players like Aisake, Pa Cronin and Patrick Horgan showed in the last game against Offaly what they are capable of doing.”

“It goes without saying though they all face a searching test of their capabilities against a very experienced and physically strong Galway defence,” said Crowley.

According to the Bishopstown legend it would not have catastrophic consequences if Cork were to lose. “It would not be the end of an era for Cork hurling if Galway were to win,” he said.

“Some of the present Cork side are nearing the end of their intercounty tenure. This is a period of transition for the Leesiders and, I for one, think the signs are good for the immediate future.

“Of course a win would lift the whole team and be a tremendous boost both for the players and Denis Walsh and his selectors. Victory would install them as contender’s for the MacCarthy Cup.

“In my book they have everything to play for,” said Crowley.