Cork v Dublin: Pat Ryan well-versed in Dubs' strengths

Even without Dublin’s win over Limerick in the All-Ireland SHC quarter-final, Pat Ryan would be wary of the challenge they possess.

There was last year’s quarter-final in Thurles, where the Rebels under-performed but won by 0-26 to 0-21, and also in January of this year, when Ryan was a supporter in Croke Park as Sarsfields lost the AIB All-Ireland Club SHC final to Na Fianna.

While the bookmakers make Cork strong favourites, such talk is not given much credence inside the Cork dressing-room.

“Look, we’re under no illusions about how good Dublin are,” Ryan says.

“I saw how good Dublin were last year and when Sars played in the club final – I know that's a different thing – but when we were sitting in the stand, we saw the physicality of Na Fianna, how well they were trained, how well they were coached, how physically ready they were to play.

“I remember turning around to my brother at the time and saying, ‘Jesus, we're in for a big contest here,’ when we looked at them walking around in the parade.

“Obviously, Dublin teams, whether it's hurling or football, minors, U21s, they're always in fantastic condition. They're always really, really good athletes. But they've added a good string to their bow and Niall has them playing a great brand of hurling.

“In fairness, I think the key about the Limerick game to them was that they showed unbelievable character and spirit. When you go a man down, it's very easy to throw your hat at it and kind of give up when you're up against a team as formidable as Limerick.

“That showed great unity within their group. I think that's the first thing you're looking for as any manager. Have we got unity in the group? Have we got spirit in the group?

“They certainly have that and that's the challenge for our guys on Saturday. Can we match that unity and match that spirit?”

As well as the spirit, Cork have to ensure that they don’t allow a Dublin team with momentum behind them to get off to a good start.

After four weeks without a game, there is the risk of Cork rustiness but Ryan is keen to ensure that that is avoided – especially as he feels the time off was beneficial.

“To be honest, it was probably a badly needed four-week break for us,” he says.

“With the league being extended into the final, then obviously there was a lot of effort needed after we got beaten by Limerick, so we had to play Waterford and obviously coming back up for the Munster final. It gave bodies a good time to get a break.

“We managed it well. We feel there won't be any excuses from us anyway from the four-week break. I suppose the key thing was that once you find out who you're playing, that gives you a bit of shape and structure to your training and what you want to go after.

“Obviously, 95 percent of the time, you're concentrating on yourself, but that other five percent of the time you're looking at what the opposition is as well.

“So, instead of talking about who you'll be playing in an All-Ireland semi-final, you can actually name the people you're talking about, which is a good sign for us.

“The proof will be on Saturday. But it's like everything -- if you win, you were rested. If you lose, you weren't match-ready. But we've played loads of matches all year and we've had loads of big games with big crowds.

“In fairness to the Cork public, all the crowds we're playing in front of now are big crowds so lads are looking forward to going to Croke Park with a huge Cork crowd again.”