Cork’s slow starts now a big problem, admits JBM

Cork hurling manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy admits that sluggish starts have "become a problem" for Cork, having had to reel in a nine-point Waterford lead in their Munster senior hurling championship opener.

“It is, certainly. Going back to our games last year, both All-Ireland finals included. It’s something that came up immediately after the Waterford game, and it has become a problem now, because we’re chasing down leads in games, and that’s taking a toll on the team. You get to a stage where you’re pegging back a lead of eight, nine, 10 points and that’s going to take a toll on the players, mentally and physically.

“It’s certainly something we hope to address on Sunday. We’ll have to if we’re to go anywhere at all. You can’t start giving good teams leads like that and hope to win anything.”

Barry-Murphy gave full credit to Waterford for their display but said many of his players were disappointed in their own performances last Sunday week.

“Waterford were very good on the day and took the game to us. A lot of our players weren’t at the pitch of the game that we’d like them to be at. They’re aware of that themselves and would be very disappointed with their performances overall. Credit Waterford, they came with their game plan and played very well on the day, and you’d say we were very lucky to get a draw.”

Injury-wise, Cork report a clean bill of health for Sunday.

“We have no injury worries,” said Barry-Murphy. “Eoin Cadogan played a game for Douglas at the weekend, and we were keen to get a game into him to see how he is. Paudie (O’Sullivan) played for Cloyne as well.

“We’re delighted with that. I was away myself and didn’t see the game, but I’m told he played very well, which is great. It increases competition for places.”