What next for Cork hurling: Who the Rebels will face if they make it out of Munster
Seamus Harnedy of Cork is tackled by Gearoid O'Connor of Tipperary during the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 4 match between Tipperary and Cork at FBD Semple Stadium in Thurles, Tipperary. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
AFTER that dominant win over Tipperary, Cork’s fate will be decided this weekend as the outcomes of Limerick v Waterford and Clare v Tipperary will see that Cork finish second, third or fourth.
Mathematically, the most probable outcome is for Cork to finish in third, and taking the qualifier route where they will face the Joe McDonagh Cup winner – one of Offaly and Laois, as both secured their final spots last week.
The Joe McDonagh Cup is usually one that throws up a few surprise results – similarly to the way the Leinster Championship has this season, but it’s been relatively straightforward for the finalists.
They were the bookies’ favourites to contest the final at the start of the season, and it’s no surprise to see them in this position now.
It’s a matchup that will be of some interest to Cork – even if Rebels will be heavy favourites going into the preliminary quarter-finals no matter the opponent.
The Faithful have had a lot of success in recent years underage – and they won consecutive Leinster titles at Minor and U20 level.
It’s been something that has provided a boost to the county after a number of years that have been tainted with relegations in both the league and championship.
Johnny Kelly’s side also reached the Joe McDonagh decider last season – but fell short to Carlow, losing by a point in the final.
They were somewhat competitive in the league this year, drawing with Wexford, losing to Clare by a point and leading Kilkenny at the break before losing by seven, but they were annihilated by Cork in Glenisk O’Connor Park, 5-28 to 0-16.
The backbone of this Offaly side’s development is going to be based on the talent that has come through at underage level, with many of those who featured in the U20 All-Ireland final defeat to Cork being integrated at senior level.
Kilcormac-Killoughey’s Adam Screeney is a name that many will remember from the All-Ireland final last year – a pacey and skilful hurler that has had moments this season, scoring 0-8 off the bench against Laois and a goal against Meath, but injuries have ensured his minutes remain limited.
Offaly U20 captain Dan Bourke has been a breath of fresh air in the forward line, with his agility and pace a threat to any defenders he faces, whilst players like Cathal King and Donal Shirley have settled into the senior side smoothly and have been consistent with their performances so far.
What let’s this Offaly side down is that they’ve conceded quite a few sloppy goals – particularly in the latter stages of games.
They were unable to see the game out against Laois, and conceded a worrying three goals against Meath. They also started slowly against Kerry – and were only a goal ahead at half time.
A stagnant opening quarter against Cork will be fatal, and even if they do start well – it may not be enough.
If Cork can find just a fraction of their scoring form from Thurles, the Rebels will cruise to victory.
Having been labelled as favourites to win the Joe McDonagh this season, Laois are exactly where they want to be at the latter stages of the competition.
A 100% record and a final spot secured with a game to spare, they can rest players for the last round of fixtures in preparation for the final.
They last won the competition in 2019, and went on to claim that historic home victory over Dublin in the preliminary round, showing that Joe McDonagh sides aren’t always a walkover.
They’ve certainly been at their best this season and are slightly more threatening than their neighbouring rivals.
Laois are a team that pose a relatively powerful forward line, and their scoring tally of 15-106 in just four championship games is an excellent reflection of that.
Stephen Maher as well as Willie and Aaron Dunphy have been on form season, and the aerial threat of Maher has played a key part in their success.
Jer Quinlan is one of the county’s most promising talents, and provides a real creative spark, while Paddy Purcell operates as the midfield engine, breaking tackles and controlling the game.
Despite their impressive performances this year, facing Cork would be a completely different beast.
The Rebels are probably one of the best-placed teams to face a Joe McDonagh side right now, given how hard their forwards have been to contain for some of the best defenders in the country.
Laois have been excellent, and they do pose a threat.
Should they face Cork they have to be treated accordingly, but ultimately the Rebels will have far too much firepower with Darragh Fitzgibbon, Alan Connolly, Seamus Harnedy, Shane Barrett and Patrick Horgan.
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