There's an agenda to make Cork hurlers seem arrogant before a sliotar is pucked in Munster

Having lost once in the regular league campaign, Cork got their revenge with a dominant final display to bridge a long gap and lift the trophy.

The success franks their status as clear favourites for the All-Ireland. 

Hard to argue with.

No, it's not the hurlers we're talking about, it's the camogie team. They comfortably beat Galway in the league decider and head into the summer in a very strong position to retain the O'Duffy Cup and complete three in a row.

Ger Manley's charges fully deserve their status as the team to beat, given their sustained excellence over a number of seasons. 

On the other hand, the hurlers have been inconsistent for a long time. Pat Ryan's side are being talked up to ridiculous levels given they lost last summer's All-Ireland final to Clare and haven't even landed a Munster crown since 2018. 

The camogie are also up in Ennis this Sunday but they should have no problems beating the hosts and even if they lose, the provincial and All-Ireland competitions are separate. The hurlers will be under a fair bit of pressure if they don't manage a first win over Clare in championship since 2021. 

Their record in the round-robin phase is extremely poor since going unbeaten in '18, losing twice in '19, 2022', '23 and last season, though it was enough to finish third in Munster in three of those four campaigns.

The bookies make Cork prohibitive favourites. They blitzed them for six goals in the league last month but the Banner didn't show any real hunger or drive that afternoon. Brian Lohan will have Clare primed and ready to explode on Easter Sunday.

AGENDA

Cork have to block out all the noise online and from the national media. They're hyping them up like they're Limerick and Kilkenny in their pomp. 

There's an agenda there to make it seem like Cork are being cocky before the sliotar has even thrown in.

The support has been incredible already this season. They've had over 20,000 fans at every league match with ticket frenzy at full tilt from the Munster series, and a burning desire to finally land the big prize.

They add glorious colour and genuine passion to the summer but anyone suggesting it would be great for hurling for the Rebels to land Liam MacCarthy is talking nonsense. The Rebels will be out in force in the stands and on the terrace once the team is competitive.

Yes, the fans are giddy with excitement but that doesn't mean they believe the hype. All-Irelands are harder won than ever with the new format.

Leesiders well know how difficult the road to Croker is.