Cork hurlers must block out the noise again but need supporters fully behind them too

Let's be brutally honest, Sunday's defeat to Limerick was embarrassing.

We don't know yet what impact it will have on the season, outside of ending Clare's season with a game to spare, but to be hammered to the tune of the same 16-point gap as the 2021 All-Ireland final was sobering for the Cork faithful.

Undoubtedly, Limerick had more motivation but their complete dominance laid down a significant marker. The Treaty are the team to beat this summer but anyone who knows their hurling was aware of that before a sliotar was pucked. 

We've said it time and again on The Echo Podcast, the main people hyping Cork up for Liam MacCarthy were from outside the county bounds with a fairly obvious agenda.

None of that matters right now of course. Before worrying about any potential rematch in the Munster decider, Cork need to take care of business against Waterford.

The Rebels are strong favourites, which is understandable given they're at home and, outside of last weekend's meltdown, have shown better form. Yet it will be a serious test of Cork's mettle.

The Déise beat them last season. And they'll feel they are due a break in Munster, having been squeezed out 12 months ago when it looked like they'd qualify at Cork's expense.

PRESSURE

All the pressure is on the hosts. If Cork don't beat Waterford it'll be another season where they've flattered to deceive.

Pat Ryan and his selectors' tactics and subs policy are being questioned this week but that comes with the territory when you lose in a county obsessed with hurling. They need to block the outside noise and back themselves. 

You can't be second-guessing yourself at this level.

Players like Rob Downey, Ethan Twomey and Alan Connolly were off-form in recent weeks. Darragh Fitzgibbon was rarely as well policed as he was in TUS Gaelic Grounds.

Mark Coleman hurled well on the front but, in part because of Cork's misfiring long puck-outs, his markers were able to snipe off turnover scores when attacking moves broke down. Let's face it though, apart from Seamus Harnedy and Cormac O'Brien off the bench, it was collectively a dreadful showing.

Cork were being talked up too much post-league but they're being dismissed too readily now. They've a chance to course-correct on Sunday afternoon on home turf where they'll have a massive support again.

They need everyone to get behind them. There was an incredible crowd from Leeside up in Limerick last Sunday. They didn't get much to shout about but the players need them in full voice.

Everything is on the line.