When Cork's backs are against the wall, 'we do perform', says Brian Hurley

Cork travel to Cavan this weekend knowing they can maintain Division 2 status but also that there's a Sam Maguire spot on the line. 

Brian Hurley made his first start of 2025 for Cork against Louth. He had been absent since round 3 of the league due to a quad injury. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Whatever about consistency, winning League starts, or delivering on their annual target of Division 2 promotion, there is one piece of the spring puzzle the Cork footballers never fail to get right.

Sunday, at home to Louth, was a scene that had played out many times before. It was a near mirror image of Westmeath’s visit four years ago, the trip to Tullamore this month three years ago, and last year’s Round 4 assignment away to Fermanagh. Defeat on any of those occasions would have either confirmed relegation or made the drop to Division 3 pretty much inescapable.