Cork not finished, but Cats should prevail

IN all the years of doing this job, never have I met such serious concern among Cork hurling supporters. “Have we any chance at all?” is the most common refrain, a real beating the most common fear.

My reply is always the same – of course Cork have a chance, and if the forwards produce, then a real chance.

Yes, the most likely outcome from this game is another Kilkenny win, another scalp on the way to another All-Ireland title, and an historic five-in-a-row.

We are all aware at this stage of the multiple talents in this Kilkenny team, the meanness of their magnificent defence, the athleticism and intelligence of their midfield, the menace from so many sources up front, the power of their bench – brilliant hurlers all of them. And don’t forget that tremendous spirit and determination instilled in the side by the man who pulls it all together, Brian Cody.

No-one has more admiration for these Cats, individually and as a team, then yours truly.

But, and regardless of all that, let’s make a case here for Cork’s chances.

Six years ago, on a day when they were again the underdogs and Kilkenny were going for three-in-a-row, Cork conceded just nine points to the black and amber and won by almost double scores, 0-17 to 0-9.

Four members of that defence are there again tomorrow – Brian Murphy, John Gardiner, Ronan Curran and Seán Óg O hAilpín – while Donal Óg Cusack is still in goal. Eoin Cadogan isn't yet the presence Diarmuid O'Sullivan was at full-back but he’s learning fast, Shane O'Neill is a definite plus, so there’s hope there, right?

Okay, two years later Cork conceded 1-16 to Kilkenny in a losing cause, and two years on again, in the 2008 semi-final, it was even worse, 1-23. But what happened once can happen again.

Look at the Tipperary game, the big win in the first round in Munster; Cork’s performance that day has been written down in some quarters, on the grounds that Tipp just didn't turn up. But, was it a case that they were simply overwhelmed on the day by a side that rediscovered something many thought had been lost forever?

Remember, Cork had lain down a marker for that game in a hotly-contested league win in the park, so the signs were definitely there. Then you look at another Cork league win this year, against Kilkenny, and again, surely there has to be hope? All we’re saying here is this – Kilkenny are champions, great champions, but there is still real ability in this Cork team. All things being equal, Kilkenny should win with something to spare, but you never know, do you?

* Verdict: Kilkenny.