MANAGER

Ronan McCarthy (Cork)

The most interesting team in action this weekend are the Rebel footballers. And the man with possibly the most difficult job is McCarthy, who must somehow lift his players after being wiped from the field by Kerry. In only two weeks, McCarthy (right) must try to repair the damage inflicted by Cork’s oldest rivals. A 17-point tanking in a provincial final will shatter the confidence of any squad, never mind one that possessed the sort of fragile morale that the Cork footballers seem to have. A good start against Tyrone in Portlaoise tomorrow is imperative for McCarthy and his team if they are to stand any chance of causing an upset.