Nealon expects Cork to put it up to Kilkenny

CORK may be massive underdogs going into Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final with Kilkenny, but Donie Nealon says he is expecting “a rip-roaring game” because the Rebels will never fear the Cats and might have had a better preparation.

Nealon knows what it takes to win All-Irelands, starring when Tipperary claimed the Liam MacCarthy Cup five times between 1958 and 1965.

As Munster Council secretary for 27 years until 2004, he has been involved in the GAA in an official capacity until very recently and is the chairperson of the national Poc Fada committee.

While he is hoping that his near neighbour, Liam Sheedy, can steer the Premier back to the final once again, this weekend’s clash between two old rivals is whetting the appetite.

Nealon admits that Kilkenny failing to create history by winning a fifth consecutive All-Ireland would be unexpected but believes that Cork will make Brian Cody’s men work for it.

“I’m on record as saying two years ago that isn’t three they’d win but five or six,” says Nolan.

“Strangely enough I think Cork are going to give them a right match. Most people don’t, but Cork don’t mind playing Kilkenny, they love having a go at them. I think Cork might be more forward in their preparation than Kilkenny, they had tougher games.’’

As for his native county, Nealon believes that they are approaching their peak at the right time of the season and was impressed with the manner in which they came from two points in arrears late on to snatch victory from Galway in the quarter-final.

“I think it’s really coming right for them now. They’re on an upward curve at the moment. They made a few mistakes the last day and some of the top players weren’t playing that well but they’re beginning to come now.”

Sheedy and his management team were subject to a lot of criticism after the Munster championship defeat by Cork but Nealon thinks they have done a brilliant job. “They don’t get the credit they should get,’’ he said. “They are very hard-working, a very professional outfit. Okay, there was one hiccup but what they have done in the last three years, they’ve been brilliant: two Munsters, a league and back to the All-Ireland semi-final again. Of course Tipp supporters are very critical, they want instant success but I think they’re doing a very fine job.’’