Home advantage gives Cork edge

Three big games in the hurling championship again this weekend, two in the qualifiers, but I’m going to start with the Munster final, and the two managers.

Jimmy Barry-Murphy is an icon, not just in Cork. He has done a very good job so far this term, having reached an All-Ireland final last year. But he realised changes needed to be made and he’s done just that. He’s had to deal with a couple of retirements which, in one sense, made his job easier but he also had to make a few big calls. And he made them – though some may not agree with them – which is exactly what you would want from your manager.

In making those calls he was putting Cork hurling first and that’s the mark of this man. Icon he is, but he has no huge ego. He’s as modest a man as you could ever meet.