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4th September 2013
05:22pm BST

Declan Whooley says... as a proud Corkonian, I would never be allowed inside the county boundaries were I to back against the Rebels claiming a 31st All-Ireland crown on Sunday, so for practical reasons I would have to tip them for victory. But even aside from that, on the evidence we have seen this summer, it is hard to see past JBM’s men leaving Croke Park without Liam McCarthy.
In truth, only the most optimistic Cork supporters would have predicted that their side would still be in the championship by the second weekend of September. Given the age profile of the squad and lack of underage success – the Rebels have claimed only one All-Ireland success at minor or U-21 since JBM left the post back in 2000 – and most importantly the departure of a number key players, this season had ‘transition’ written all over it.
When players of the calibre of Donal Og Cusack, Sean Og O hAilpin, John Gardiner, Damien Cahalane, Darren Sweetnam and Eoin Cadogan leave for one reason or another, and Paudie O’Sullivan misses the campaign through injury, it would test even the strongest panels in the country, nevermind a youthful squad at Cork’s disposal. Their relegation at the hands of the Banner seemed to confirm that.
However, the players have set upon putting their own mark on this team and the victory over Kilkenny was a statement of intent that this particular group were able to fill the shoes of some illustrious names and go toe-to-toe with any team.
Their victory over Clare was attributed by many to Clare’s inaccuracy, while defeat to Limerick was marred by a red card to Pat Horgan. Success over Kilkenny, albeit helped by a red card to Henry Shefflin and a Kilkenny side running on empty, was gained by an exciting brand of hurling, with strong runners, accurate passing and in Horgan, arguably the star performer of the championship.
Their nail biting win over the Dubs in the semi-final was a sign of further progression and some of the players with little experience of Croke Park in a red jersey came through with flying colours. Which is just as well considering only Tom Kenny and Shane O’Neill have been here before in the build-up to a final.
What makes Cork such a difficult proposition for Clare is that their success thus far has been built on a team ethos, and they aren't reliant on individuals. Horgan aside, there are not many marquee names in this team, which is not a slight on the players involved, but a reflection of the influx of new faces over the past couple of years.
The defence has been resolute all year and while the half-back line was in trouble for periods against Dublin the last time out, they were up against the form half-forward line this year. Brian Murphy may or may not come in, but his presence alone will be a lift and could be a huge boost should he be required with 10 – 15 minutes remaining.
Daniel Kearney and Lorcan McLoughlin will cover every blade of grass on Sunday and are the perfect examples of the modern-day midfielder. They will have less space to operate in with a congested middle third, but have come through every test so far that has been asked of them.
Up front is where we could well see the difference between the sides. Clare are expected to play with just five attackers, while Cork will presumably stick to the full complement, with each one a capable score getter. A feature of the forward play is that each day has seen two or three different attackers step up to turn in serious performances, such as Conor Lehane and Seamus Harnedy last time out, with Horgan his usual effective self in the inside line. If they all click on the day it is difficult to see the Banner men containing such threats, even with Pat Donnellan operating as a sweeper.
What makes Cork such a difficult proposition for Clare is that their success thus far has been built on a team ethos, and not reliant on individuals. Horgan aside, there are not many marquee names in this team, which is not a slight on the players involved, but a reflection of the influx of new faces over the past couple of years.
The defence has been resolute all year and while the half-back line was in trouble for periods against Dublin the last time out, they were up against the form half-forward line this year. Brian Murphy may, or may not come in, but his presence alone will be a lift and could be a huge boost should he be required with 10 – 15 minutes remaining.
Daniel Kearney and Lorcan McLoughlin will cover every blade of grass on Sunday and are the perfect examples of the modern-day midfielder. They will have less space to operate in with a congested middle third, but have come through every test so far that has been asked of them.
Up front is where we could well see the difference between the sides. Clare are expected to play with just five attackers, while Cork will presumably stick to the full complement, with each one a capable score getter. A feature of the forward play is that each day has seen two or three different attackers step to turn in serious performances, such as Conor Lehane and Seamus Harnedy last time out, with Horgan his usual effective self in the inside line. If they all click on the day it is difficult to see the Banner men containing such threats, even with Pat Donnellan operating as a sweeper.
Much has been made about Clare’s tactical game plan and how they smother teams, which has been very effective so far this year. Cork, however, are a different kettle of fish to Wexford, Galway and Limerick and have already got the better of them in Munster.
In the end, I expect the team with the better hurlers to beat team sticking to a resolute game plan, and Jimmy Barry Murphy to be given the freedom of Cork City in the not too distant future.

Gaa | Joe.ie
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