Johnny Crowley on why Cork hurlers will have learned harsh lessons from last year's All-Ireland

Sarsfield’s manager Johnny Crowley, fresh from leading his club to third consecutive RedFM League title, will be hoping clubman Pat Ryan will guide Cork to All-Ireland success against Tipperary on Sunday.

Crowley suffered a bad experience at Croke Park last January when Sars lost to Na Fianna in the All-Ireland final, but he is backing his county to produce the goods on this occasion.

Losing the decider to Clare last year was a huge disappointment to all concerned but Crowley believes they learned from it.

“I cannot speak for Pat Ryan and his management team but looking on the positive side they must have been relatively happy with the progress they made last season,” said Crowley.

Losing the opening two games in 2024 before taking on Limerick in that classic game at Páirc Uí Chaoimh was a true test of character.

“The closing minutes were frantic were frantic but the introduction of Shane Kingston was a game-changer and the penalty that Patrick Horgan buried was awesome and suddenly we had a stadium in rapture."

This season Cork found themselves at the end of a hammering from Limerick that in the words of Crowley tested their true character.

“I suppose looking back on that Limerick game to the Cork side we witnessed against Dublin in the semi-final and their Munster final win over the same opposition I do believe that was a false occasion.

“To go to Limerick and win a Munster championship final against them was sheer class and I must say against Dublin they really produced their best hurling in a few seasons, that was a joy to behold.” 

After a facile win, Crowley believes Pat Ryan and his selectors will have put that game put to bed and are now fully focused on the job in hand.

“That page is closed and in hurling it’s all about the next game as there is no looking back and what’s in front of Cork is a huge opportunity to end a 20- year drought at All-Ireland level.”

Tipperary have surprised many this season with their progress and Crowley believes it would be foolish to underestimate them.

SAVAGE WORK

“To be fair to Liam Cahill and his mentors they have put in savage work with this team and to their credit they got back on the horse early and I think they are a very good side.

“Tipp are a very young side as they have gone with young players with many of their stalwarts coming off the bench and they will certainly pose a threat to Cork as they have dangerous forwards.” 

The Cork public is certainly behind the team and Crowley is hoping that 20 years of waiting is put to bed.

“You have to give Pat and the lads credit in the manner they built a very strong panel probably the best we have had in years as to have quality players coming off the bench fitting nicely into any position is a huge bonus.

“That’s a huge plus and as I said that’s down to the incredible work they have done since taking over this squad.” 

Scouting is a must at inter-county level and Pat Ryan has ticked all the right boxes.

“I would be sure the management have taken in many games and they have unearthed players that have done the business and that’s great in a county of our size.

“In Donal O’Rourke, you have a man who has done massive work in the manner they set up in games and you could see this season discipline has improved greatly from the last campaign.

The Cork players this season are in your face but without fouling and that’s down to what they do on the training ground.” 

The feelgood factor on Leeside is incredible and Crowley believes there will be huge celebrations in the city and county if they manage to pull this one off.

“It’s absolutely fantastic as I had first-hand experience back in January when we got to the All-Ireland club final as the support we got throughout the county was incredible and that is now happening at a bigger scale.

“The anticipation is growing and growing as in Cork we are a sports fanatic county and for everybody involved including the manager and players it will be a marvelous occasion if they can get over the line on Sunday.

“The players will give their all so let’s support them in their quest and hopefully we will all be happy leaving Croke Park.”