ALL-IRELAND SHC QUARTER-FINAL/Cork v Antrim:RESILIENCE HAS always been at the heart of Antrim hurling and that quality has helped them reach this point of the championship. They are stark outsiders in this encounter but that is hardly anything new and nothing that will concern them.
The manner in which Antrim came roaring back into their last match must have stunned Dublin. Trailing by six points in the second half, Antrim were faced with the option of disappearing but they opted for the tough slog and have been rewarded for it.
Antrim hurling has absorbed tough lessons from Cork down the years and there is a chance that this could be another chastening day. The Rebels looked drained after their saga against Waterford but will seize upon this match as a chance to get back on track.
But turmoil seems to follow Cork. Their preparation for this match has not been helped by the Cork County Board’s decision to throw both Glen Rovers and Bride Rovers out of the county championship. There were fears last night that county representatives from both clubs – which include corner back Brian Murphy – may not travel to Dublin in protest.
Regardless of this Cork remain strong favourites to advance. Squeezing past Carlow and facing down Dublin reflects well on Antrim and it is important that they apply their 70-minute policy in this match, particularly if Cork break the game open and go on a spree.
ANTRIM: C O’Connell; K McGourty, C Donnelly, S Delargy; P Sheils, J Campbell., C Herron; S McNaughton, K Stewart; S McCrory, N McManus, T McCann; PJ O’Connell, L Watson, K McKeegan.
CORK: D Og Cusack; S Murphy, E Cadogan, B Murphy; J Gardiner, R Curran, R Ryan; T Kenny, C Naughton; B O’Connor, M Cussen, N McCarthy; P O’Sullivan, A O’hAilpin, K Murphy.
In the last episode: Sleeping dogs growled this week when memories of the 2004 meeting between the counties were raised at a press function. When the teams met at this stage six years ago, Antrim manager Dinny Cahill inflamed the Cork side by lightly disparaging a few of the Rebel players. Cork administered a 2-26 to 0-10 drubbing by way of riposte. But the Tipperary man has since demonstrated his commitment to the Antrim cause and has guided the Ulster team back to this stage against the odds. This is the eighth championship meeting between the teams and all previous results have favoured Cork.
On Your Marks: The blunted form of the Cork forward line cost them dearly in the Munster final and replay. The front six worked ferociously hard – perhaps too hard – in both those matches but struggled desperately for scores from play and were reliant on Ben O'Connor's marksmanship. But they did create goal chances and it will be no major surprise if they begin to convert those here.
Gaining Ground: The accountants in Croke Park are certain to be keeping tabs on every click of the turnstiles given the recent disappointing attendances at headquarters. Antrim will bring their usual core of support while Cork GAA fans are understandably lamenting the financial drawback of being able to field high-calibre teams in both hurling and football. The first half of this game is likely to be played in a sleepy atmosphere, filling up when the crowd begins to appear for the second match.
You Bet:No shocks expected: Antrim are available at 8/1 while Cork come in at 1/14. A draw is offered at 16/1.
Crystal Gazing: Antrim will look to test the spring in Cork steps early but after the latter's turbulent and exhausting games against Waterford, they could well tune into their A game here. They coughed up three goals against Carlow and Cork are going to have to rediscover their goal-scoring knack if they are to have any say in this year's championship. This should be a restorative afternoon for Cork.
