Experience and scoring potential should swing it for Cork

BOTH the Cork senior camogie team and the Clare U-21 hurlers will presumably have to contend with a strong Kilkenny support in Croke Park tomorrow.

But, whatever about the Banner boys, the Cork girls should not be unduly perturbed if their own fans are in the minority.

The fact the Rebels are contesting the Gala All-Ireland final for the eighth year in-a-row means that they will focus on the challenge provided by Kilkenny rather than the occasion.

For Cork boss Denise Cronin and Cats boss Ann Downey the game will revive memories of the last meeting of the counties in a final, back in 1995 – when Cork were victorious and Cronin lifted the cup. Kilkenny are appearing in their first final since 2001, but while Cork and Tipperary were the main contenders for most of this decade, their progress this year is not unexpected after the winning of the last four All-Ireland minor titles.

Nevertheless, their win over Galway in the semi-final in Nowlan Park – on the same day that Cork overcame Wexford – was a little unexpected.

The Westerners had come close enough to beating Cork in the final last year and were better placed to win, except that they missed chances at a crucial stage and were caught by a goal from substitute Marie O’Connor in the fourth of six minutes added time.

What’s interesting about the Kilkenny line-up – unchanged from the semi-final – is that there is a lot of experience in the backline, whereas four of the forwards (including minor star Denise Gaule) are under the age of 20). The last day, goalkeeper Catriona Ryan, wing-back Elaine Aylward midfielder Ann Dalton played key roles, while last year’s captain Marie O’Connor made a big impact after being introduced around the three-quarters stage.

Cork were not over-impressive in beating Wexford. Largely, it was a problem of under-performing in the first half, but a significant improvement after half-time showed what the team is capable of. Dynamic Briege Corkery went through for a vital goal in the 40th minute and it marked the turning point in the game.

While team captain Amanda O’Regan again has to content with a place on the bench, Cork have an assortment of natural leaders in key positions, not least goalkeeper Aoife Murray, Corkery, fellow dual star Mary O’Connor and former captain Gemma O’Connor.

In form, they have more to offer in terms of their experience and greater scoring potential. However, it all depends on them playing more consistently this time. Manage that and they will hold on to their title.

Verdict: Cork.