PM O'Sullivan The Ciotóg SideAll good things, proverbially, come to an end but Cork are still on the road. They were very good when it most counted. Making four All-Ireland finals on the trot is a magnificent achievement, in and of itself.
The match probably came a weekend too late for Waterford, who played as if they had spent too much time considering the challenge. This element was well caught by Nicky English's vacillation as pundit. Immediately after the quarter-final, he plumped for The Déise on Setanta Sports' The GAA Show. Twelve days later, previewing the same contest in these pages, English rather ruefully reverted to Cork.
It was a wise call, avoiding a tendency towards wishful thinking indulged by this space. While the Rebels scored precisely a point less than anticipated here, the Suirsiders never really hurled with the fluency which they are capable of, leaving their tally only middling. The reality is Waterford lacked decisive composure. Unforced errors cost them dear. The cynics, shoulders shaking, will be doing the twist. But there will be a better future for White and Blue.
Brian Corcoran enhanced his reputation in notable degree. Now the same age as DJ Carey in 2003, the Erin's Own man has been incomparably more influential in getting his side to a decider than was the case with Carey three seasons ago. Posterity will look at such factors as a means of assessing the nuances of brilliance. A grounded Corcoran's snig off Ken McGrath's hurl was unglamorous but vital to Cathal Naughton's goal.
Sporting talent does make for odd but pleasing connections. Sultans of Ping FC have been a charming presence in Leeside culture over the last two decades. Niall O'Flaherty, singer and presiding spirit, is a Nottingham Forest nut and his paean to Nigel Clough's precise skills, Give Him a Ball (and a yard of grass), can now be re-allocated to Naughton (until recently a trainee at Forest). Soccer's loss is hurling's gain. Significantly, Cork have discovered a new option up front (although he is more than a touch one-sided as yet, as moments in Wednesday's under-21 Munster final attested).
The Rose of Mooncoin is another register altogether. There was little expectation in Kilkenny of the song being heard in Croke Park this September. Confidence has increased a nudge, thanks to some, but only some, good hurling against Galway.
Against Clare? Martin Comerford and Henry Shefflin generally had the better of Brian Lohan and Seánie McMahon in the 2002 All-Ireland final. The balance of advantage should still lie with the younger men. Elsewhere, though, you wonder if the Cats can curtail Gerry Quinn, best Dalcassian defender in 2006?
What will intrigue is whether we see both Comerford and Shefflin in the full-forward line, with Eoin Larkin at number 11. Michael Rice, set to take Eoin McCormack's place, convinces more on the wing than in the corner. Noreside may decide to go to war inside, believing in goals. Which or whether, their half-line will want to keep its markers out the field, leaving plenty of space in front of the full forwards. Expect to see Kilkenny's back eight essay short, placed passes to wing forwards early in the contest so as to attempt this end.
As such, the squeeze in midfield will be absolutely crucial. Colin Lynch found the going tough in the second half of 2005's league final. An in-form Derek Lyng and a rising Cha Fitzpatrick can straiten life for Lynch and Jonathan Clancy. Fitzpatrick is mastering the smart 30-yard ball.
Alan Markham, in a way, is Clare's key forward. As playmaker, he lends them an edge of unpredictability lacked by previous attacks. His marker, be it JJ Delaney or Noel Hickey, must be very attentive. The Kilmaley man is very clever. That Jackie Tyrell seems set to supplant Michael Kavanagh makes it all the more peculiar that Michael Fennelly was not tried at corner back during the league.
Clare's main hopes lie with their half forwards. Well able to hurl, all three men, they are likewise good in the air. Kilkenny's trio is entirely changed from 2005. Most importantly, John Tennyson must mind the gap (see Rory Jacob's goal in the Leinster final). If Tennyson loses concentration, Markham will construct decisive scores.
The Sultans' item everyone knows is Where's Me Jumper? Way beyond arch, fiercely fey, O'Flaherty sings of a man who likes a manifesto but urges more: "Put it to the test-o". It is well flagged that Kilkenny are trying to hurl in a new style, where ceaseless movement and calibrated deliveries are prioritised over fetching and heft.
The Banner's staunchness and newly found scoring ability will be a searching examination of this Marble manifesto. The stripes, when unable to win their puckout against Galway, bunched and lost their shape. Anthony Daly will have been all eyes at Corribside crowding the middle, picking ball and running straight.
Last weekend, a substitute's performance was vital. Noreside's bench looks to have potent replacements (particularly, perhaps, in Richie Power). Thinking Kilkenny, for all the uncertainty in their full-back line, are better placed to rejig when difficulties come, this column will go with their claim-o.
Something like 2-19 to 2-15.
