Cork hurling is moving in the right direction but not as quickly as we hoped

Where only a month ago Cork had legitimate hopes they could replicate 1966 and win All-Irelands at senior and U21 with a large crossover of players, they ended up with just the provincial crowns to fall back on. You can be sure the Limerick seniors and the Tipp U21s aren’t too bothered they were beaten in Munster now.

Since the halcyon days of the double in 1990, Cork have won three All-Irelands at senior (1999, 2004-05), two at U21 (1997-98) and three at minor (1995, ’98, 2001). Joe Deane, Donal Óg, Seán Óg and co were at the heart of six of those eight All-Irelands.

Trying to be upbeat Robbie O’Flynn and Tim O’Mahony are certain to make a mark at senior, while Jack O’Connor, Billy Hennessy, David Lowney, Deccie Dalton and Conor Cahalane were among the standouts across the U21s’ four games who look to have the tools for the step up.

The production line is cranking up. Yet not fast enough to land the major prizes it seems.
