Sunshine Supporters Guide to Hurling Championship 2015

2nd Jun 2015

If you're a championship-only hurling fan who's in a panic to sound credible around the square in Thurles before Sunday's championship opener with Waterford then read our rapid catch-up guide:

Last year's Championship in two sentences

We drew with Waterford in the championship opener then whipped them silly in the replay and defeated reigning champions Limerick to win Munster. We were hosed by Tipperary in Croke Park in the All-Ireland semi-final who then went on to lose the final to Kilkenny.  

This year's league in two sentences

Cork beat all but Tipperary and Kilkenny in Division 1A and got to the league final where we capitulated against Waterford who are undoubtedly this year's surprise packet. JBM's players looked well off the pace in the final and there were little or no positives to take from it bar Stephen McDonnell's post match interview where he said he had learned loads for the championship opener against the same opposition and he'd never make the same mistakes again.

How did Cork fans react to the league final defeat?

There are many men in the Rebel county with significantly less hair after pulling most of it out during the football and hurling league finals this year. Let's leave it at that.  

Will Waterford be even better this Sunday?

Free taker Pauric Mahony is undoubtedly Waterford's fulchrum and racked up a huge tally during the league but will miss Sunday's clash with a broken shin. Number two choice, the six foot five Maurice Shanahan, brother of mentor and former tormentor of Cork defences Dan, is also a doubt. Cork's only injury is to wing back Lorcán McLoughlin now that Seamus Harnedy is going to tog out. On paper at least, the Deise are weaker than they were five weeks ago. 

Any new new kids on the block?

Cormac Murphy. We saw him play against WIT in the Waterford Crystal Cup two seasons ago and while he might have looked a bit green now and then there was no mistaking what JBM obviously saw in the Mallow lad - sublime stick work and pace. He slotted into wing back during the league and has excelled under JBM and Mark Landers' tutilage.  

Did we find a new solid full back in the league?

Not really but Cork hurling fans are delighted that Brian 'The Silent Assasin' Murphy has been called back into JBM's squad to shore up a back six that has looked wobbly at times during the league. Arguably the best man marker in the county, Murphy will most likely slot in at full back in front of goalkeeper and captain Anthony Nash. 

The Bride Rovers man didn't play in the league but has enough experience and an All-Ireland medal to be able to dive straight into the Thurles furnace and be at the right temperature. Up on the terraces our brittle Rebel hearts will palpitate a little less every time the Deise lob a ball in towards the square knowing that Murphy will be ready and eagar to mop it up.

Are we still shy in front of goal?

When it comes to us insatiable hurling fans you can rarely have enough goals but we were spoilt during most of the league with ten - almost all superb. The four against Tipperary below in Pairc Úi Rinn removed any doubt that we can't provide a goal fest if needed. Given the right ball our forwards are deadly in front of goal especially when Paudie O'Sullivan is on the field. And on days we don’t get goals we can rack up huge point tallies like the 34 against Dublin in Croker.

Should I try to beat the traffic if we are well out of the game after 60 minutes?

Never you langball traitor! Even if things look grim on the scoreboard after an hour on Sunday don't even think about moving towards the exit - the Rebels can turn a game with goals very quickly and you wouldn't want to look silly power walking back to your car when Patrick Horgan gets a yard of space around the square. 

What should I put in my sandwiches?
First of all it’s ‘sangidges’. Secondly ham and butter are the only things allowed between the slices of bread if you don’t want to raise eyebrows. You could chance a bit of tomato or cheese if you pretend you’re not that into them but adding in fancy things like coleslaw, gherkins or rocket will have the whole parish talking about how you are getting carried away yourself.

Will we win?
Of course.