Cork aren't where we want to be right now, admits Ashling Thompson

It may be an exaggeration to say their season starts here, but Cork captain Ashling Thompson is quick to admit that the All-Ireland champions were looking to shake off the cobwebs from the spring.

A relatively indifferent National League campaign saw them lose twice to Limerick before they overcame their neighbours with a contentious injury-time win in the Munster final last month.

Their inconsistent bid for consistency was not necessarily a deliberate approach, but Thompson can see the benefit in tailoring their season around the All-Ireland championship and the defence of their title, which starts today with a group opener in Waterford’s Walsh Park (5.15pm).