Cork U20s to step up championship preparations with a tough test against Kildare

THE Cork U20 footballers will continue their championship preparations this weekend with their toughest test of the season so far.

Ray O’Mahony’s side have been able to get a number of challenge games played since the turn of the year, but the visit of reigning All-Ireland U20 champions Kildare on Sunday to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 1.30pm will present a stiff test for the young Rebels. This game will be part of a double-header, with the counties locking horns at senior level at 3.30pm.

The U20s don’t get their championship campaign underway until the middle of April, and a lot can happen naturally enough between now and then, but this encounter is the ideal outing to have in many senses.

Out of all the challenge games that Cork have got under their belt to date, with Galway being the high-profile one two weeks ago, this particular contest on Sunday will be the most difficult one yet and will be a good indicator as to where the young Rebels are currently at.

While we can’t read too much into the win over Galway, which Cork won by two points on a scoreline of 1-7 to 0-8, there were lots of positives that O’Mahony and his selectors were able to take from it especially the first half showing. Cork tore into their opposition, playing some very good football, as they led 1-5 to 0-3 at the break, with Micheál Maguire netting the goal after 18 minutes.

Cork did struggle after the short whistle in what was overall a forgettable second half, as the Leesiders were only able to manage two points, but the half was disjointed with both sides making many substitutes.

It must also be said that the Rebels were far from full strength, due to injuries and also missing players with the club U21 football championships taking place, and with that largely wrapped up for now, Cork’s hand should be strengthened for Sunday’s meeting with the Lilywhites.

Cork have mostly a clear run in now to the start of the Munster championship which will begin for them on Wednesday, April 10, with the championship opponents not known yet, but it will be against either Waterford, Clare, Tipperary or Limerick.

As challenge games go, Sunday’s one against the reigning All-Ireland winners, who haven’t lost too many players from last year, is an ideal one.