Tompkins: final vital to Cork

FORMER Cork All-Ireland-winning captain Larry Tompkins believes a victory for Cork in next Sunday’s NFL Division 1 decider against Mayo in Croke Park would be a huge boost after the championship victories they have suffered at the venue in recent years.

After last September’s All-Ireland final loss, Tompkins reckons success this Sunday would be a positive in helping in their rehabilitation despite the secondary status of the league.

“Going to Croke Park is a great chance to get over the hoodoo of the venue in recent years. It would be important just to do that and win a national trophy up there, which would be a step forward for this Cork team to make. They’ve no All-Ireland under their belt but Cork are fairly advanced at this stage in their development. This game is very important as well considering the big gap until championship.”