The Echo Sport Podcast: Cork football underage results are alarming, Limerick take favourites tag back, club league round-up

The Cork footballers are heading for a rematch with Kerry in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh after the draws were made for the All-Ireland group stages.

Whatever happens on the June Bank Holiday weekend, or away to the losers of Meath-Louth in the Leinster final and Roscommon, which will be at a neutral venue, Cork football isn't in a very strong position on the basis of recent underage results.

On this week's podcast we discuss the state of football on Leeside.

Keith Ricken's minors host Kerry this week in the Munster opener, with both counties moving to the semi-final anyway, hoping to fare better than last season's U17 crop. The U20s were outclassed by Kerry in their provincial final and the Rebels have failed to trouble their rivals at all since they last picked up Munster underage silverware.

SLIDE

Corn Uí Mhuirí action has highlighted how dominant Kerry are and you have to ask what is being done to arrest the slide. Cork haven't replaced Conor Counihan as Director of Football and given their financial issues are unlikely to do so. 

The lack of viable options if current senior manager John Cleary moves on at the end of the summer just shows how bleak the situation is.

There's also a chat about Limerick's impressive display in beating Waterford away and they clearly mean business despite being surprisingly held to a draw in Thurles last month. They welcome Cork on May 18 and look like the team to beat yet again, despite the attempts outside Rebel county to bill Pat Ryan's side as All-Ireland favourites.

The Cork U20 hurlers have improved across the campaign and will have the chance to reach the Munster final against a fancied Tipp if they can beat Clare in the Páirc. The Banner beat them in the minor equivalent three years ago.

CONTENDERS

This year's minors face Waterford in the Munster final, having completed the group with four wins from four and looking like very strong All-Ireland contenders.

We also look at how the leagues are panning out in hurling and football across the divisions, with the availability of Cork hurling squad players a great reflection of the management team and their positive attitude.

Plus a discussion of the Cork camogie and ladies football teams seasons so far and the skort versus shorts debate.

Now in its third season, every week Éamonn Murphy will be joined by The Echo team including Barry O'Mahony, Denis Hurley, Rory Noonan, John Horgan and more to discuss all the latest Cork GAA news on and off the field.

You can listen to the Echo Sport Podcast every week wherever you get your podcasts or on www.echolive.ie/podcast