Cork v Kerry:CONSIDERING THE word was that Kerry were as anxious as Cork to take the direct route to Croke Park and that the All-Ireland champions had a match already under their belt, last weekend was marginally more disappointing for them than a Cork side that defused their opponents' most explosive attacking potential and created enough chances to win but again left Killarney with only a replay to look forward to.
There has been predictable reticence in the naming of teams for tomorrow but Kerry could really do with Paul Galvin for the full 70 minutes to turn up their ball winning capacity around the middle, as happened in the final quarter in Killarney.
Whether he plays or not is a conundrum for Cork as well, as it could influence whether Noel O’Leary gets the nod. His form on Galvin is combustible but also effective and if last year they both got the line from tomorrow’s referee Pat McEnaney, that was a positive for Cork, removing Galvin and creating more space.
Kerry will feel that they can hardly get less than the two points from play but that meagre return wasn’t merely down to the marquee forwards failing to perform. Their supply was gravely compromised by Cork’s ball winning in the middle third and the Cork backs marshalled what came through very well.
Less remarked on was the mediocre quality of what the Cork full forwards had to play with. Ponderous ball retention coming out of defence and less than precise passing meant that the Munster champions failed to turn possession to their best advantage.
Once they had settled in their first championship match Cork took the game to Kerry and will have been frustrated not to have settled the matter last week but they also have a match played and the expanse of Páirc Uí Chaoimh suits them better.
KERRY: To be announced before throw-in.
CORK: A Quirke; R Carey, G Canty, J O’Sullivan; N O’Leary, M Shields, P Kissane; A O’Connor, A Walsh; P O’Neill, D O’Connor, P Kelly; D Goulding, C Sheehan, P Kerrigan.
Referee: Pat McEnaney (Monaghan).
In the last episode:As is so often the case with this pair the last episode was a draw.
You bet: Kerry have drifted from 11 to 10 and can be got at 8 to 5 with Cork coming in from evens to 7 to 10. The draw remains at 15 to 2.
On your marks: Centrefield was a problem area for Kerry with Cork achieving a better balance between the steadying influence of Alan O'Connor and the potential of Aidan Walsh who just needs to simplify his distribution to complement his phenomenal ball winning ability. There's been a suggestion that Kieran Donaghy could re-locate to the middle although the loss to the attack would be significant.
Gaining ground: Cork have established a strong record at home in this fixture during recent years with just one defeat, the 2005 Munster final, in the past eight seasons and four victories, three of which were in replays.
Just the ticket: Covered stand €25, uncovered stand €20 and terrace €15.
Crystal gazing: Cork narrowly.
