'Hungry' Rebels will be out to make a statement against Tipp
Ken Hogan noted Tipperary’s six-day turnaround from the Offaly game and their Fitzgibbon Cup commitments. Pic: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Former Tipperary goalkeeper and manager Ken Hogan believes the 2025 Munster champions are “out to make a statement” in Saturday’s Division 1A clash in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (7.30pm throw-in).
Speaking on Tipp FM’s “Extra-Time” show earlier this week, Hogan remarked: “Ben O'Connor didn't hide away from that the other night. He said, ‘Oh, we're looking forward to Tipp coming down.’
“But we've got to keep our eye on the bigger picture. Like, the bigger picture here is obviously to play well against Cork. Liam (Cahill) will be looking to performance, one.
“And the second thing to remember there's bigger tests ahead. Obviously, the main fixture is going to be the end of April in Thurles, the Munster championship fixture. So, you can get too familiar with each other as well.
“But obviously Cork are out to make a statement. Their spectators and supporters are so hungry for success. And obviously Ben is a crowd favourite as well, no more than Pat Ryan was.
“So, the hunger for success brings out people. They want to see people playing. And of course, they want to see the All-Ireland champions coming to Leeside and seeing what they're about.”
Hogan also mentioned Tipperary’s six-day turnaround from the Offaly game and their Fitzgibbon Cup commitments – they had six in semi-final action on Wednesday (Adam Daly, Darragh McCarthy, Conor Martin, Aaron Morgan, Oisín O’Donoghue and Sam O’Farrell). Following Saturday, Cork have a three-week gap to their next fixture against Kilkenny on March 1.
Saturday’s clash in Ballintemple will be preceded by an U20 challenge game between Cork and Wexford at 5.30pm. Noel Furlong’s U20s begin their Munster championship campaign away to Tipperary on March 25.
The stadium opens at 4.30pm. The Cork County Board have confirmed that there are now no stand tickets available for Saturday after some had been available in recent days. Admission can be purchased to both the Blackrock and City End terraces.
Meanwhile, Dublin forward Dara Purcell could be facing some time on the sidelines after damaging a hamstring in last weekend’s Division 1B win over Kildare.
Purcell was replaced by James Madden close to the end of Saturday’s game in Parnell Park. The Kilmacud Crokes man had scored two points in the facile win over The Lilywhites.
Dublin have a bye round this weekend and return to action on February 21 when they face Wexford in Croke Park as part of a double-header with the footballers’ Division 1 clash with Kerry.
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