The Our Game podcast during the week was interesting. Three Offaly men (Duignan, Joe Dooley and co-host Michael Verney), none predicted Offaly would win though all suggested Offaly would play well. JBM went for Cork in the basis of their being more physically mature.
I won't comment on the general standard of Leinster v Munster, but I saw a good bit of Offaly Vs Dublin and Wexford, and I wasn't that impressed by either of their opponents. Dublin were poor, lacked the basic skills or speed to play the running game they were attempting, only managed fourteen scores over the hour. Wexford were better and it was a much closer match, but while it was 15 v 15 they struggled to create chances from play. Offaly moved the ball a lot better in attack, where they look a well-coached side with dangerous forwards in Ravenhill, Mitchell and Screeney. In both matches they were well set-up against the running game, dropping players back to cover their half-back line and tackling in groups further forward. I expect Cork to work the ball better than either Dublin or Wexford, but they will also need to go more direct as well and it is crucial that the ball sticks inside as Offaly are v compact and will be quick onto any breaking ball.
In Cork's attack Cunningham and Healy will be crucial as ball-winners, and hopefully Cremin can fetch a couple as well. Jack Leahy has had a quiet campaign but he made an impact in the Munster final, and if he clicks that gives Cork another option to go longer. Decent options in attack on the bench as well. In defence the key match-ups are on Screeney and Mitchell - I would have Darragh O'Sullivan on the former and Kingston in the latter, but Howell could be switched over onto Mitchell if he is causing serious problems.
Two other things - in each of their matches so far Cork have been quiet for a long spell and their opponents have gotten a run on them - unfortunately I expect the same again today. Against that, Cork have finished every match stronger than their opposition, and I'd also expect, a little more tentatively, for that to happen as well. Cork to win, no clue as to the margin.
