Nash passes credit to team-mates

Only one game into the Allianz Hurling League but already Cork hurling fans are beginning to get the buzz.

There’s been a changing of the guard, Anthony Nash and Daniel Kearney now lighting up the scene where once it was Donal Óg Cusack and Jerry O’Connor.

This Sunday they head for Dungarvan to take on Waterford, another team that’s been ringing the changes, and do so in good spirits after a big win over Tipperary in floodlit Páirc Uí Rinn two weeks ago under their belts. It finished at 0-26 to 1-11 but the game was over at the break, Cork ahead 0-14 to 0-2.

They hit some outstanding points, from all angles and distances, many the result of slick stick-passing as Cork exhibited a sharpness rare for this time of year. Many of those moves originated from keeper Nash, long-range laser-accurate clearances picking out team-mates in good positions.

“In fairness the lads gave me great options and that makes my job easier,” he said.

“Their handling is exceptional, their first touch, and as long as you put it in front of them they’ll control it. You saw the way Dan Kearney was tipping around in the middle of the field, offering himself as an outlet all the way through the game, giving you great options, Lorcán McLoughlin, Anthony’s Kanturk clubmate, the same. The goalkeeper can only take part of the credit, the rest of the lads play their part as well.”

Kearney was especially prominent on the night, many commentators remarking on the similarity between Daniel and the recently retired Jerry O’Connor. He wasn’t the biggest of midfielders but had incredible stamina, the ultimate box-to-box player, while also possessing a keen eye for the posts. Not for the first time in a Cork jersey this year, Kearney looked like a natural successor to the Newtown star.

“He’s a fantastic player and has been for a few years,” Anthony agreed.

“We’ve seen that time and again in his club displays with Sarsfields. From corner-back to corner-forward and any position in between, he’s an outstanding hurler, knocked over some great scores. He has a great engine too, a major asset.”

It wasn’t just in scoring that Cork impressed against Tipperary. Defensively Cork made life difficult for Tipperary and everyone played their part, no matter the number on the jersey.

“In the first half especially the clearances coming down on our defence were mostly high and long which gives the defender the advantage. It was a good win, great team performance, the hooking and blocking especially.”

Waterford too will have the wind in their sails after their fine win against Clare in Ennis in their opener, a late Jake Dillon point earning them the win. Two sides on an upward curve then but Anthony knows, and hopes the Cork supporters also know – one swallow doesn’t make a spring.