Down in Kerry a few days ago. Their confidence is sky high. They are much fitter and more motivated than at this time last year. They are desperate not to go through the back door again - the training all through the summer last year was very tough going.
Beat them in Killarney and we will not meet them again in Croke Park.
Pretty much sums it up.
We are if for a titanic struggle. Kerry are going to throw everything at us and there is little doubt that they are more focused and prepared at this stage of the season than they have been for ages.
If Cork had everyone available, prepared and match fit then I would regard us as strong favourites but players like Nicholas, Lynch, Miscella, Quirke and Canty have huge experience and are all quality men - add in the injury to Sheehan and its only fair to acknowledge that CC is seriously hampered going into this game.
However, Cork have a fantastic squad and if there is one team that can cope with all the losses then its Cork.
This game will set down a huge marker as to who is top dog in Munster (some will say that's obvious but it's not, as Kerry were not concerned about Munster in recent years)
Strange as it may seem, I think that Kerry need to win this game more than we do.
Lads this game ultimately means very little. Hopefully the sun will shine and we'll have a good day out, get an idea of how good some of the younger lads are and thats that.
We've won 3 of the last 4 in Munster and not won an All Ireland while they've bagged 3.
If Colm O'Neill, Kerrigan and Goulding shine I'll be happy. If Sheehan and Walsh build on their early signs even more so. I'd be more interested in seeing how CC reacts to various tactical situations
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matlock
Would i represent Larry Murphy if no one else would, yes.
Lads this game ultimately means very little. Hopefully the sun will shine and we'll have a good day out, get an idea of how good some of the younger lads are and thats that.
We've won 3 of the last 4 in Munster and not won an All Ireland while they've bagged 3.
If Colm O'Neill, Kerrigan and Goulding shine I'll be happy. If Sheehan and Walsh build on their early signs even more so. I'd be more interested in seeing how CC reacts to various tactical situations
I don't agree with you here TG. I think that both teams are aware that they both really want to win this one. Kerry obviously try to win every game but their focus and preparation has been geared to Aug/Sept. Not so this year.
The winners will take a lot out of this one. In the past, Kerry would have known that their preparations at this stage were not great and that they would be much better if they met Cork later on. If they lose, they will still take some comfort from their record in Croker - but deep down many of their players will be very concerned that the balance of power has shifted.
If Cork lose they can take some comfort from their injury list but they would be big outsiders for the AI.
You are right that the FF line is our best line and hopefully they will run Kerry's FB line ragged.
The tactical and decision making battle between CC and Jack O Connor is one that you have identified and many Cork Supporters will share your interest in this sub-plot.
We are if for a titanic struggle. Kerry are going to throw everything at us and there is little doubt that they are more focused and prepared at this stage of the season than they have been for ages.
If Cork had everyone available, prepared and match fit then I would regard us as strong favourites but players like Nicholas, Lynch, Miscella, Quirke and Canty have huge experience and are all quality men - add in the injury to Sheehan and its only fair to acknowledge that CC is seriously hampered going into this game.
However, Cork have a fantastic squad and if there is one team that can cope with all the losses then its Cork.
This game will set down a huge marker as to who is top dog in Munster (some will say that's obvious but it's not, as Kerry were not concerned about Munster in recent years)
Strange as it may seem, I think that Kerry need to win this game more than we do.
You know what beating them in Killarney would be our biggest win over then in years and if we do it without the lads i have put in bold it would say a lot about the strength of the squad.I honestly think that if we win we will have shot one bullet into their legs and that someone in the qualifiers will put the ageing horse that is Kerry out of it's misery.
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Kerry people Gobshites and Blatherskites every last one of them!
Cadogan has been named in the hurling team for Sunday. Should he come through that unscathed might he be the man for Donaghy?
Obviously Cadogan is a fine player and was a bit rusty last year having been away with the hurlers but Tommy Walsh bettered him physically. I would see Donaghy as an even bigger challenge. I think the only player that we have that would possibly match Donaghy in terms of physicality is Canty and with that Donaghy would still cause wreckage if the ball was good.
Priority One is to stop the ball coming in and when it does to keep Donaghy smothered as much as possible. Big job on too for whichever corner back is tracking Gooch. I'd also give Shields or Miskella a job on Declan O'Sullivan no matter where he goes. Last years final was a disaster in that regard.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Matlock
Would i represent Larry Murphy if no one else would, yes.
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