Cork keep the faith for final clash with Galway

The Cork senior hurling selectors last night gave a resounding vote of confidence to the team that started the semi-final against Clare for Sunday’s Guinness All-Ireland final showdown with Galway at Croke Park.

Left half-forward Timmy McCarthy, full-forward Brian Corcoran, centre-back Ronan Curran, and right half-forward Kieran Murphy of Sarsfields, who were replaced by Kieran Murphy of Erins Own, Neil Ronan, Wayne Sherlock and Jonathan O’Callaghan in the penultimate stage, are all back in favour.

With Corcoran fit again after picking up a shoulder injury in the Clare game, the selectors plumped for experience over youth for a final showpiece that could be a classic.

The victorious manager in 1999, Jimmy Barry-Murphy, said after the team announcement that he was not surprised John Allen and his selectors went down the road they did.

“During my term in office and again in Donal O’Grady’s time, the policy adopted was for continuity and the present management have followed suit. This course of action is one I would totally agree with,” said the Cork legend.

He added: “Some players were under pressure to hold on to their places but that happens coming up to every All-Ireland final. But those players under pressure have never left Cork down on a big occasion.”

Although Cork have been installed as favourites, Barry-Murphy said he would be “very wary” of Galway.

“They are young, hungry and can play some explosive hurling. They remind me a lot of ourselves in 1999 and, as champions, the pressure will be on Cork. But I believe the Cork defence will spearhead their side’s march to victory.

“Kilkenny were over the top this year. Time had run out on them and the loss of full-back Noel Hickey was a devastating blow. Galway exploited Hickey’s absence to the full. But on Sunday they will have to face the best full-back in the game at the moment and this to me is the basic reason why Cork will win.”

Cork (v Galway): D Óg Cusack; P Mulcahy, D O’Sullivan, B Murphy; J Gardiner, R Curran, S Óg O’h-Ailpin; J O’Connor, T Kenny; K Murphy (Sarsfields), N McCarthy, T McCarthy; B O’Connor, B Corcoran, J Deane.