Disappointing end for young stars
Diarmuid Sheehan A campaign of real promise failed to deliver the expected result with a last gasp defeat to Tipperary
THERE is no doubting that Cork’s loss to Tipperary in the All Ireland Under 21 Hurling Final at the Gaelic Grounds last Sunday night was not only disappointing for all concerned with the red and white but it was also a real shock as few anywhere would have predicted the outcome with any real sense of certainty.
From the pundits to the fans and from the bookies to most honest players this game was always likely to have just one outcome as the clash of the big two in Munster was meant to go the same way as the provincial final – a clear Cork win.
Of course, Tipp were going to throw everything at the game and they would undoubtedly be better than that faithful night in Cork when the rebels strolled to the Munster title but Cork had the big names, a hugely confident squad and a massive, vocal support all there to bring home the spoils of victory – well that was the plan anyway.
Right from the off you could tell that something was up. Cork had none of the fluidity that this side have exuded all season long. Their start was poor, their finish wasn’t great either however they did manage one purple patch, fifteen minutes in the first half, when they looked sharp, confident and rampant. Cork had all the attributes on and off the pitch to suggest that when they eventually got going they could brush Tipperary aside.
Cork’s ability with the ball in hand was unquestioned. The speed at which they could move the ball from back to front was supposed to be unmatched and the confidence garnered by having a host of senior stars in their line-up was meant to be the difference and when they got going it was. Mark Coleman played really well on the night along with Robbie O’Flynn however to be honest they really were the two main threats for Cork.
Conor Cahalane definitely made an impression on those looking to bring in more your depth into the senior squad for next year, but on the night that really was as good as it got for Cork. Brian Turnbell did well when he came in on 40 minutes, which is another positive, but in truth many of the bigger names didn’t have a night to remember.
Cork didn’t deal with Tipperary’s front six which will have bothered manager Denis Ring
and further heaped not done much for the seniors in 2019. The midfield lost the battle with Stephen Nolan and Ger Browne, but overall it seemed to be a lack of urgency and undoubtedly fatigue from Cork that took its toll.
It would be naive to think that any side went into an All-Ireland Final complacent but to a novice it would have been a fair analysis of what was happening on the pitch. Cork were able to start slow yet reeled in Tipp with consummate ease when they went through the gears.
In the second half, the lack of anything like a fluid piece of play meant Cork couldn’t get a head of steam up so again Tipperary were able to push clear – that said, Cork again reeled them in with four quick points that again came thanks to what looked like a superior skill set.
One would have been forgiven for thinking late on that Cork had this one, even though they didn’t play very well, but the late goal from substitute Conor Stakelum shattered Cork’s dreams. Cork had no time to respond, they had left it too late to put in a credible title bid and they paid heavily for that lack of urgency.
Tipperary are champions and on the day, it is hard to begrudge them the title. The Premier County came into the game as outsiders, with nothing to lose and all to gain. The boys in blue played the game for the most part on their terms and managed to stifle Cork at every turn.
Tipp used their bench well, better than Cork to be fair, bringing in five players at even intervals from the 30th to the 61st minute with two of the three making a contribution on the scoreboard.
This win will be major in Tipperary. A year that failed to deliver on so many levels for Tipp hurling has been rounded off with an All-Ireland and that title at a very important grade.
Many predict that Tipperary
Tipperary are champions and on the day it is hard to begrude them the title. The Premier came into the game as outsiders
seniors will be back stronger next season and with some of this Under 21 side making the jump forward it would be hard to argue with that reasoning.
So where to from here for the mighty Rebels? Well, for now, it is a few months back with the clubs for the small matter of county championships before a well-earned break and hopefully back at it again in the spring.
Cork’s young stars have made a serious impression in recent months and many will get the chance to wear the blood and bandage into the future in the big leagues. This loss will hurt that is for sure.
Players that had expected to now hold a national title still sit without and while the winter will ease the pain it won’t quell the thirst for honours.
Cork need a credible underage structure and the Under 21s have have managed to produce for Cork in recent years however the 20 year wait for a title at the last of the underage grades will continue for at least another year but based on the players that will be still involved next year and the ones that are coming through from minor it would be a brave man to suggest that the wait will go on for too much longer.