Tony Considine: Cork hurlers must not get caught up in the fans hype

THIS is a busy week on the hurling front.

The Leinster final is on Saturday evening with Kilkenny taking on Dublin, and the following day Munster final takes place, Limerick and Clare renewing their rivalry. 

I think the GAA got this right as a lot of people would like to see both finals. Also rotating the finals is a good idea with Munster clash on a Saturday next year. 

I’m sure Cork will have a great interest in both finals and I’m also fairly sure that Pat Ryan and his management team will be in Croke Park on Saturday and in Thurles the following day on the way home. And why wouldn’t they? 

There is a lot of interest for Cork in both games, especially in Leinster, as they will be playing the winners of the McDonagh Cup between Offaly and Laois which is on before the Leinster final. When they get through that, they will come up against the losers of Dublin-Kilkenny. 

So lots for Pat and his selectors to take in. I’m sure he would rather be doing that than be like the managers of Waterford, Tipperary and Galway, who are now sitting at home and their summer over. Pat knows what that is like himself from last year.

A lot of talk this week asking ‘are you better off being in a Munster final or not?’ I’m sure Clare and Limerick will be a very physical game as both teams know one another very well with no prisoners taken and an awful lot of bragging rights at stake, as well as a place in the All-Ireland semi-final. 

SHARK TANK

The losers will take the scenic route with a lot of sharks waiting. Sometimes you can be a sitting duck. Sometimes, you wonder if you are better off finishing third and remaining fresh for the battle that lies ahead… 

Cork are in that situation now as are Wexford. That can be a big advantage at times as you are getting to see a lot more of your opposition than they are of you.

The big thing for Cork is the great momentum they had built up with the two wins over Limerick and Tipperary. Has that diluted a bit because of the break? 

I’m sure the camp is still very positive. The way the Cork supporters got behind their team big-time was key but maybe the break will do them good, take down a lot of the hype. 

A manager never wants to see too much of that. As we all know supporters can get carried away a bit too much at times, and maybe that is their right as they pay their money to follow the team. And that is not cheap by any means now. 

Every team needs good support but in the right way. Cork have some of the biggest support in the country and why wouldn’t they with the size of their county? Of course, there is a fierce hunger for success. 

I’m sure they will manage it well as their management seem to have their feet on the ground. 

The same management was getting some stick after the two defeats to Waterford and Clare! 

But as a famous manager said one time, there are only six inches between a slap on the back and a kick up the arse. Pat Ryan is experienced enough to know that.

BIG CALLS

Right now he has more to think about than that. What team will he start the next day? He has more than 15 players to pick from now, with fellas putting their hands up for places. 

It is a great way for a management team to be, fellas pushing one another for places, not alone in the team but for the 26-man squad. Cork seem to have that right now. 

The big question will be if Ciarán Joyce comes back in. Or if he’s fit, where will he start? He is a very fine player and I believe a place has to be found for him on the team, anywhere from midfield back. 

Also, will Luke Meade get a start? Another experienced player who played very well the last day when he came on, and of course Shane Kingston, who also did likewise. A man well able to take a score with savage pace. 

A great few headaches for the Cork management team, but very nice headaches to have.