Walsh to rebuild just as soon as Cork Con scale final hurdle

ONCE again, just 80 minutes stand between Cork Constitution and the moniker of the country’s top club side but Brian Walsh’s outfit are preparing for Sunday’s All-Ireland League final against Old Belvedere knowing a period of transition is just around the corner.

No club in the country has made as much use of provincially contracted players as the southern giants but that will change next year when new regulations and the rise of their many alumni through Munster’s ranks limits their availability in the Ulster Bank League.

As things stand, the number of Temple Hill graduates on contracts with the province has long since passed into double figures and includes half of the 15 that started the semi-final against Young Munster.

In all, 11 of that day’s side played mini-rugby with Con but the plan is that their loss up the chain to the professional game will be diluted by the infusion of a new generation that includes an exciting U21 side.

“There will probably be a bit of transition next year with a lot of the lads going up through the Munster ranks and we probably won’t see much of them,” said captain Frank Cogan.

“A lot of younger lads are coming through the ranks as well. There is plenty of talent there but hopefully we can stay on top of the league.”

Walsh is hoping to hear from Munster head coach Tony McGahan today, or tomorrow at the latest, as to who will and will not be available for Sunday’s fixture at Donnybrook. It has been that way all season.

“It varies,” said Cogan. “There was one game this year when we didn’t find out until the Saturday morning, which was very disruptive. We didn’t know the team or who would be playing.

“Usually we would know by the Wednesday or Thursday. It’s something we have got used to. We have had to adapt to it because we have so many players going through the club and getting contracts. It is something that has worked for us so far, so happy days.”

Con, twice champions in recent years and table-toppers five seasons in a row now, face an Old Belvedere side featuring in their first final.

Only five years have passed since Old Belvedere finished 12th in the old Division Two table but they have edged their way to the top under coach Phil Werahiko, who saw his charges lose a semi-final to St Mary’s 12 months ago.

“They have the likes of Simon Keogh, Andy Dunne, Chris Keane and Danny Riordan there, all of whom have experience of full-time rugby behind them, and number eight Leo Auva’a who I believe will be with Leinster next year,” said Walsh.

“That is a good spine to have in a team and it will be like a home game for them just over the road from their own place. Old Belvedere will fight to the end and I would say that this is probably going to be a 50-50 match.”