Patrick Horgan: Cork have taken a big gamble going for Alan Walsh over William Buckley

Galway have a free-shot on Saturday at Croke Park with all the pressure on the Rebels but it's hard to make a case for Clare upsetting the odds against a Limerick side looking more formidable than ever

RISING HIGH: Alan Walsh catches the ball on the way to scoring a goal against Kilkenny in the league. It's a surprise he's held his place ahead of William Buckley, who had such a good Munster campaign. Picture: INPHO

Cork had a big call to make coming into Saturday's All-Ireland SHC semi-final but for Ben O’Connor and the selectors, their hands were probably tied after Alan Walsh scored 2-1 against Offaly.

William Buckley had a very strong Munster. He picked off points in every game, linked up well with the half-forward line, you’d have thought he nailed that corner-forward position. It was a bit of a surprise to see him dropped for the quarter-final in the first place and you’d feel for him.