Cork Hurlers - Part 2

[Killyoursons]

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I felt Ben should have been a little more experimental with his selections in earlier matches - no such qualms here, if anything he might have gone a touch too far in the opposite direction considering how strong Limerick look. Big game for Twomey and Mullins - right now they are probably both playing for places on the bench, v interesting to see them each at wing-back having formed the midfield partnership two games ago. Likewise, this should be Daire O'Leary's toughest test to date. I'd be of the opinion that he could learn a lot playing on O'Brien even if he struggles.

The FF line could exploit the absence of Morrissey under the high ball, but that said this will be a big step up for Alan Walsh in terms of the speed of hurling and decision-making required. In two minds about Barry Walsh - part of me would rather he can focus on the U20s, but if he settles into this game and holds his own he would be making a strong case for at least making the championship 26.

Some interesting positional switches with O'Mahony and Joyce. The former's match-up with O'Donoghue will make fascinating viewing - a completely different challenge to that which Barret will present come championship.

 

[Corkfan82]

Interesting to see if Joyce is man marking Lynch at midfield like the 2025 munster final.

I know Barry Walsh is teak tough for a u20 but thats a challenge at half forward, the lad wouldn't back down tbf.

 

[Vladimir The Bear]

Really interesting selection. Hugely important game for a lot of players individually more so then the team. It's rare to get an opportunity like this where you get to test your panel in a meaningful game against what is essentially Limericks championship team bar possibly 1 or 2.

Make or break for Daire O Leary tomorrow night. I thought he was excellent last weekend before picking up a slight knock in the games dying minutes but tomorrow night is different gravy again. If he can cope tomorrow night against The Bull, Gillane and Reidy then the 3 jersey is his. Interestingly I think he would be a good match up to the Bull and might do OK on Gillane but I think Reidy wouldn't suit him at all although it's unlikely Reidy will stay inside.

Big game for Eoin Roche and Millerick. I think Millerick is pushing hard for a championship start but Niall O Leary performance last weekend was excellent so has put the pressure back on Millerick to perform again tomorrow. I think he will man mark Gillane. Eoin Roche looks to be favoured over Darragh O Sullivan as further full backline cover so needs a solid game tomorrow night to truly cement that.

The entire half backline is playing for their places. In Downeys case playing for a championship start and it's notable that he's starting center back instead of Joyce. An unusual call but we see how it goes. Twomey is performing solidly if not spectacularly, deserves a start. Did fine when introduced last week. I think it's a huge game for Mullins. Hasn't impressed me to date so far this season and has a tough assignment to tomorrow. If he can show something tomorrow on Hegarty it'll be a huge statement from him.

Midfield is a bit unusual, I've actually posted it here on occasion over the last few weeks that I'd like to see these 2 in midfield together for a game. Well I have my wish. Looking forward to seeing who goes to Lynch. I think Joyce should.

Both Walshs deserve to start after last week. I'd presume Barry will take the frees but then again could it be Kingston. Doesn't he take them for Douglas? Kingston on the wing hasn't worked at all against Limerick in the past in terms of ball winning. I presume he's there to run at Byrnes which leaves Barry the daunting task of tracking Kyle Hayes.

Tim at center forward is move i just did not see coming. Hes also the captain tomorrow which is a vote of confidence in him. I wonder is he there to match Will O Donaghue for physicality?

Inside line is hugely exciting. Twin towers of Walsh and Hayes supplemented by Barrett (who was in great form before his red card) buzzing around the place.

I dont expect that Cork team to win but I do expect a lot of questions about some players to be answered tomorrow one way or the other.

Would love to see Paudie Power get 10 minutes tomorrow night.

 

[Tricolour]

Always interesting to hear what other hurling analysts make of our lads. Former KK keeper Michael Walsh is a good analyst on KCLR radio podcast. Last Sunday he was hugely impressed with both our corner backs and William Buckley. He couldn’t believe Hayes got MOTM - thought it should have been SOD or NOL.

Very fair and knowledgeable analyst is Michael.

 

[Killyoursons]

Very fair and knowledgeable analyst is Michael.

He's good alright. Eddie Scally is a pain.

 

[Bonbon12]

Very fair and knowledgeable analyst is Michael.

I was listening to him on commentary last Sunday and he was very fair through out. Right from the word go he said Cork were way ahead and KK were just hanging on throughout.

 

[Iúr]

I always thought Tim could do damage to the opposition in centre forward. We'll see tomorrow night. If Duds is out for a few weeks it could be a realistic option allowing CJ to start also come championship.

The half back line is the most interesting to me. If Eoin can be as commanding as his brother in centre back it would give a viable option for cover in that position.

I'm happy with DOLs play so far and would worry that if goals are leaked tomorrow night, consideration in the analysis may have to be given to line in front of the back three also.

 

[Hurlywurly]

Game will essentially be a test of how the guts of our U20 winning sides (9 of them, no-one over 30 in starting line-up) fare against the guts of the great Limerick team (9 of their team from 2021, 9 aged 30 and plus).

Makes it super interesting.

 

[Barry K O Bama]

Limerick will bring massive intensity here. Kiely will have read them the riot act after the Waterford game and will not have been impressed with the display v Offaly.

Cork know what will happen if they don't match the intensity (round robin last year) -It's a huge learning curve for Roche, Mullins and Walsh (x2) and to a lesser extent Twomey. It's also very important game time for Joyce and Barrett.

Last week was very good but this week, the challenge goes up quite a few levels. Our side is even more experimental.

The focus is more on learning/opportunity than winning. A. Walsh will get a serious amount of holding and dragging with the umpires ignoring everything. Barry Walsh got a right dragging in the first half v KK. Donal O Grady referenced this in the post match interview. I'd guess Barrett will have a roaming role.

It's a great exposure to Limericks tacking technique - the hand contact to slow down the opponent and then the choke tackle - It requires instant off loads - our newbies will come on a ton, from this. Sean Stack is reffing - I see him as in the middle of the Kennedy - Tyler extremes.

This should be another advance in the Ben Project.

 

[Bonbon12]

Very fair and knowledgeable analyst is Michael.

Fantastic statue of his father in Thomas town.