Cork hurlers need to manage hype: All-Ireland talk is setting them up for a fall
Patrick Horgan has been back to his best for Cork in recent weeks but knows how hard it is to consistently shine across a season. Picture: INPHO/James Lawlor
Understandably, given they're without an All-Ireland in 20 years, have a huge, vocal support and fired in 10 goals in their last two league games, Cork are the most talked about team in hurling right now.
It all heaps the pressure on Pat Ryan's side heading into Sunday's league final and the Munster Championship in April.
The likes of Jackie Tyrell and Anthony Daly have anointed Cork as favourites for Liam MacCarthy, while it's also been said that Limerick's race is run and Clare lack a cutting edge without Shane O'Donnell, supposedly out for the season.
They must be loving all that nonsense either side of the Shannon.
Limerick have a deep squad and while a couple of their veterans aren't as reliable as they were, they've Adam English, Colin Coughlan and co more than ready to step up. Pay no attention whatsoever to how their league campaign petered on, they'd absolutely zero interest in winning it.
It seems to be forgotten they're All-Ireland champions. And after getting slapped by Cork in the league they'll be wired to the moon for the championship rematch on Easter Sunday.
Cork need to keep their heads down and make the most of a great opportunity at home to Tipp in the league final to lift a first trophy since the 2018 Munster title. After that, regardless of the result, getting out of the province, ideally via the Munster final, is the target.
Pat Ryan has his panel finely tuned at the moment but we saw with the concern over Brian Hayes' injury, even if he didn't damage his ACL, a hell of a lot needs to go right to atone for last July.
There's depth to the squad but a core of irreplaceables, like Darragh Fitzgibbon, Shane Barrett and Rob Downey. And Hayes.
Limerick prevailed despite injuries to the likes of Cian Lynch, Declan Hannon and Sean Finn over the years but they're a unique group with an incredible winning mentality.
Despite that, they badly missed the under-appreciated Darragh O'Donovan and Peter Casey at times in 2024.
Cork have an interesting blend of younger hurlers and veterans, with Patrick Horgan going exceptionally well considering his 37th birthday is in May and Tim O'Mahony now a powerhouse at midfield. Padraig Power is out for the season and Robbie O'Flynn is also struggling to get back but there's a plethora of options for the selectors.
Diarmuid Healy, Micheál Mullins and Cormac O'Brien didn't feature in last year's championship but they could yet be integral in the weeks ahead.
If Cork manage the hype.
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