GAELIC GAMES:WHAT SHOULD be a routine start to Tipperary's defence of the All-Ireland title is overlaid with anxiety from last year's dire performance in the same fixture.
If that was an extreme example of how expectations get upset in this fixture, modern history nonetheless suggests that favourites very rarely – not for 23 years or 14 matches – go to town on the underdogs when these counties meet.
Are Cork capable of keeping the match within those parameters?
Probably.
The county’s most obvious difficulty is a lack of impact up front. Luke O’Farrell makes his first start for Cork and much is expected of him. Patrick Horgan did well in last year’s match while Cian McCarthy at centre forward has begun to suggest that he can deliver. With the experienced Ben O’Connor and Niall McCarthy on either side, there is the potential to stretch a Tipp half-back line featuring two wing backs starting their first Munster championship match.
Brendan Maher was Tipperary’s best player last year, but only his team-mate Shane McGrath remains of the four in midfield from 12 months ago.
Cork throw together two Fitzgibbon stalwarts: Cork IT captain Lorcan McLoughlin and UL’s Patrick Cronin. McLoughlin has yet to convince for the county, but Cronin’s metamorphosis into a centrefielder comes after an immense contribution for the Limerick college. Facing them, Gearóid Ryan has settled in well with McGrath and an interesting contest is on the cards.
Tipp’s half forwards were wiped out last year, but by the time of the final had turned things around to the extent that they dominated Kilkenny’s renowned half backs.
Two of the personnel remain and both Noel McGrath and Séamus Callanan will be motivated to show that their form 12 months ago was an aberration. The third is Patrick Maher whose importance to the team in terms of physical impact is key.
Cork will be missing two thirds of the half-back line that dominated last year’s match: Seán Óg Ó hAilpín has “retired” and Ronan Curran is injured but hopes are high that William Egan can stake the new generation’s claim in what was the team’s iconic line.
In the last episode: They've had nine encounters in the last 12 seasons. Last year saw a major surprise with Tipp coming dramatically unhinged by Aisake Ó hAilpín's aerial assault.
You bet: Compared to last year, Tipperary's odds have almost halved, from 4/6 to 4/11. Cork are 11/4 and the draw is 10/1.
On your marks:Stephen McDonnell has been one of the conspicuous successes of Cork's league season. Tomorrow he's down to keep company with the Hurler of the Year, Lar Corbett.
Gaining ground: Strangely, Tipp haven't won a match in Thurles as All-Ireland champions for 60 years – though that covers just two ties.
Just the ticket:Covered stand €30, uncovered €25 and terrace €20. Family tickets available with accompanied children €5. Students and OAPs get €10 rebate with ID.
Crystal gazing: Cork may well be competitive, but Tipperary are forewarned after last year.
