Huge test of character in Rebel camp
KINGSTON WARNING FOR PLAYERS
CORK manager Kieran Kingston has urged his players to grasp the opportunity to impress against All-ireland champions Tipperary.
The Premier County come to Páirc Uí Rinn on Sunday already assured of a League quarter-final spot, as table-toppers in Division 1A. Even a defeat might be enough to seal a top-four finish for Cork but Kingston (right) wants his players to produce another strong performance, to back up the display against Waterford last time out. Before that game, Kingston demanded consistency in Cork’s play and he got it, as the Rebels ran out impressive 1-21 to 1-13 winners. “We’ve been guilty of it throughout even the League games we’ve won,” said Kingston. “Against Clare, there was inconsistency, there was a lapse during the Dublin game, and again during the Kilkenny game.” Cork paid the price against Dublin and Kilkenny, but bounced back with a win over Derek Mcgrath’s Waterford. Kingston continued: “The Waterford game is the nearest we’ve got to putting a performance together over the course of the game. Of course you’re going to have periods in a game where one team is on top but you have dig in then and be resilient, and wait for your opportunity again. “We did that against Waterford, which was pleasing, because we didn’t in the previous game against Kilkenny. It’s all about the next day and trying to do the same again.” Kingston acknowledges that they don’t come any bigger than Tipperary – who visit Leeside nursing an unbeaten record in League and Championship that dates back almost a year. He said: “Firstly any team that wins the All-ireland is the best team in the country. That’s the way I look at it and until the 2017 All-ireland final is played out, Tipp are the best team in the country. “They’ve proven it throughout the League, taking it very seriously and they’ve made it quite clear that they’d like to have a good run and try to win it. “They’re positioning for the Championship and that’s well-publicised. We’re pitting ourselves against the All-ireland champions and it’s a good test for us. “Any Cork player, growing up, grew up with the anticipation of getting an opportunity to play at home against Tipp, in front of their own fans. Our lads have that chance and I’m sure they’ll be looking forward to it. “It’s a test of our character and a test of our consistency of performance, that we haven’t got to date, and how we stand up against that. It will give us a sense of where we are along the road in terms of the progress we’re trying to make.” And Kingston insisted Sunday’s game will have absolutely no bearing on the Munster SHC quarterfinal clash between the counties in May. He said: “Absolutely not – nothing that happens on Sunday will have any bearing beyond Sunday. Back to back performances would be encouraging.”