Sunday 8 June 2008

Changing of the guard in Munster

Really enjoyed the Munster hurling semi final this afternoon.
I think we have just watched the changing of the guard in the province with both Cork and Waterford, who have dominated Munster for the last six seasons, out of the championship.
Cork had every chance to win this game, at one point seven up but Tipp chipped away at their lead.
However, Cork had the game in their grasp again early in the second half.
For the first 20 minutes of the half they missed a penalty and a whole series of chances.
Tipp hung grimly on as Cork's midfield and half backs were totally on top and they never slipped more than two points behind.
What will worry Cork is the fact that they visibly tired in the last quarter as the younger fresher Tipp lads grew in confidence.
There was only one team in it in the last ten minutes with Cork reduced to long hopeful balls into a full forward line which Tipp had by the throat at this stage.
Tipp will relish the thought of a Munster final against either Clare and Limerick with a league title and a historic victory over Cork under their belts.
Tipp look like a team which can go all the way and they will now fear no one.
For Cork, the worry has to be that their best players were the lads who have already taken this team to the heights.
Gerald McCarthy tried out a new full forward line but it didn't work out.
Cathal Naughton showed he has what it takes to step up to the plate, O'Sullivan had his moments but Pa Cronin has a poor day at the office.
Cork have struggled in the forward line over the last couple of seasons and even with everyone fit they look shy of the punch up front to win the Liam McCarthy this year.

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