Cork, Tipp facing series of showdowns

CORK AND Tipperary clash this Sunday in the National Hurling League, but one of the blue chip fixtures in the GAA calendar may be devalued as the counties embark on a potential three games in seven weeks.

Both of the Munster powerhouses are in the shake-up for the NHL Division One final, which is scheduled for May 2, while their much-anticipated Munster championship quarter-final clash is down for decision on May 30.

The counties aren’t the only ones in danger of over-familiarity through league and championship: in Division Four of the National Football League, Waterford and Clare, both riding high in the division, meet for their league fixture on April 11, and may, results permitting, clash again two weeks later in the NFL Division 4 final - three weeks before their Munster SFC clash.

Meanwhile former All Star midfielder Shane McGrath should be fit to face Cork on Sunday at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. McGrath limped out of last Sunday’s clash with Waterford with suspected knee damage but the injury has been diagnosed as a shin bone problem.

McGrath took a heavy blow across the tibia which left a mark on the player’s leg, just below the knee, but there is no damage to the joint itself.

Tipperary breathed a sigh of relief when the actual extent of the injury was revealed on Sunday evening and the 2008 Allstar looks set to feature against the Rebels in the championship dress rehearsal.

Captain Eoin Kelly could also be fit after missing the Waterford game with hamstring damage. Kelly’s fitness will be assessed at training this evening (Tuesday) and again on Thursday evening before a decision is made.

Seamus Callanan also missed the Waterford game with a similar complaint while Willie Ryan and Pat Kerwick are a few weeks away from full fitness.

Offaly manager, Joe Dooley, has plenty of sympathy for the Liam MacCarthy Cup teams making their preparations for the championship season in Division 2 of the Allianz Hurling League.

Wexford, Clare, Laois, Antrim and Carlow have turned the second division into very competitive fare but having earned promotion last year, Dooley is in no doubt that Offaly will be much better prepared for the Leinster championship as a result.

“Without a doubt. We played matches in Division 2 last year and it is at a completely different pace altogether. There is no substitute for these type of games. We played Wexford in the Division 2 final last year and there was only a puck of a ball between them. I’m sure Wexford will have a big say in getting out of Division 2 but they have a long way to go down there.

“The system is a bit unfair at the minute, particularly for the likes of Wexford, Clare and Laois and the teams working hard down there.”

With just two games remaining, Offaly look certain to retain their top tier status, with four points to their credit.

They travel to Walsh Park next Sunday to play Waterford and will have a full deck to choose from.

Conor Mahon (back), Derek Molloy (groin) and Ger Oakley (knee) were all confined to cameo roles from the bench for last Sunday’s one-point victory over Limerick but having come through well, will be in contention for a return to the starting team.