Three hurlers return to the football fold as Cork’s rookie manager Brian Cuthbert aims to snatch the Munster championship from Kerry’s grasp this Sunday in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Eoin Cadogan, the initial dual player in the current Cork panels, is named at fullback instead of Thomas Clancy, who moves to centre back.
That could see Cadogan, who saw only a few minutes at wing back in the Rebels defeat of Clare in the Munster hurling semi-final on June 15th, marking Declan O’Sullivan. Or maybe even Kieran Donaghy, should the former footballer of the year make his way into the fray.
The sensational form of Aidan Walsh, across both codes and at all levels, cannot be ignored, with Cuthbert putting his 6ft 3ins goliath into a midfield alongside Fintan Goold.
“I suppose preparation wouldn’t be ideal but at the same time you can see Aidan Walsh is playing out of his skin in both hurling and football at the moment at both county and club level,” said former Cork hurling goalkeeper Ger Cunningham.
“I think he’s been a huge revelation for the hurlers really. He’s been fantastic. So far it hasn’t impacted really on him.”
Walsh, a two-time football All Star, has indeed lifted Cork hurling standards to a new level this summer with three resonating points in the 67th, 70th and 72nd minute to fracture Clare.
The 24-year-old student’s mere presence will test the fortitude of Kerry duo Johnny Buckley and Anthony Maher.
Off the bench
The third dual jewel is Damien Cahalane who, unlike Walsh and Caodgan, didn’t feature off the bench in the footballers trimming of Tipperary on June 21st.
He starts at right wing back instead of John O’Rourke, who moves up the field into a half forward line alongside Patrick Kelly and Paul Kerrigan.
“The next four to five weeks are going to be very busy because that’s the crucial time,” Cunningham continued. “From now until the middle of August is crucial. I think if it’s handled properly at this stage now I think it can be done.
“The people involved would love to have access alone to the players because they’re so talented and they’re obviously an important part of the squads but I think the impetus and the confidence that they bring when you go from one to the other can give it a lift as well.”
Steely focus
With a steely focus on landing a 38th provincial title, Cuthbert benches Andrew O’Sullivan, John Hayes and Mark Collins. Colm O’Neill wears number 24 but will surely enter Cork’s attack should Kerry get a run on them.
However, Cork’s penultimate inter-county game in ‘The Park’, before a complete make-over of the stadium, will be without Donncha O’Connor.
Sharp-shooter
The sharp-shooter, so important in the 2010 All-Ireland campaign, has resumed training this week but this fixture comes too early. Kevin Crowley and Brian O’Driscoll were others not considered due to injury.
Kerry seek a 76th title and fourth in five seasons. They beat a different Cork side, under previous management, 1-16 to 0-17 in last year’s decider.
