1. Limerick’s ability to deal with the hype
It was hard for neutrals not to enthralled by Limerick’s victory over Tipperary last month. The pitch invasion by delirious home fans, the wonderful ecstatic commentary by Live 95M’s Liam Aherne and the joy amongst the Limerick players helped create a memorable occasion.
In the interim five-week period the good vibes have returned to Limerick hurling and a sense of anticipation has been whipped up in the build-up to the game. But all that hype needs to be tempered as the Limerick squad seek to match up to their supporters expectations.
Their players are aware of the need to adopt a low-key approach and John Allen is the right man at the tiller to try to ensure they perform.
INPHO/James Crombie
2. The return of Lorcan McLoughlin and Patrick Cronin
Cork’s injury woes surfaced again a fortnight ago when Brian Murphy, who did a brilliant job in marshalling Tony Kelly against Clare, was ruled out for the season.
The Bride Rovers club man is an expert defender but his loss is offset by the return of Lorcan McLoughlin and Patrick Cronin to their side. McLoughlin was their best player throughout the league while Cronin is their influential captain.
McLoughlin will add a lot at midfield alongside Daniel Kearney and release Christopher Joyce to his natural berth in defence. While Cronin supplements their half-forward challenge and is a great aerial option for puckouts.
INPHO/Cathal Noonan
3. Can Limerick impose themselves physically on the game?
The intensity and physicality of Limerick’s challenge was central to their success against Tipperary. Their full-back line of Stephen Walsh, Richie McCarthy and Tom Condon – a tight knit unit who in 2007 were lining out for the county’s intermediate side in the curtain-raiser before the senior side’s trilogy with Tipperary – were central to that.
The hit that Condon put in on Eoin Kelly in the finale was one of the most enduring images of the game in the Gaelic Grounds last month. The selection of the Limerick half-forward line – David Breen, James Ryan and Seamus Hickey – hints at the approach John Allen wants to take.
Hickey is a recognised defender and Ryan is an established midfielder. They will be a combative challenge that Cork will need to cope with. Limerick’s ability to replicate that type of physical dominance will be integral to this match.
INPHO/James Crombie
4. Cork’s need to settle early in defence
As impressive as Cork ultimately were against Clare, their storming finale should not conceal their shaky start to the game. Their defence creaked early on against the Banner when Darach Honan and Padraic Collins looked like they were going to run riot.
Today Cork need to settle early on as they enter the game without Brian Murphy and with Christopher Joyce slotting back into the pivotal number 6 role. For Joyce, Stephen McDonnell and Conor O’Sullivan, this will be their first Munster senior final experience while William Egan only came on as a substitute against Waterford in 2010.
Rising to the occasion from the start is imperative for the Cork back line.
INPHO/James Crombie
5. Limerick’s attacking options on the bench
Limerick’s success against Tipperary was all the more admirable after they chipped away at the four-point deficit that they faced midway through the second-half to ultimately win by three points.
Their powerful surge at the end was aided by the assets they held in reserve.
Shane Dowling and Niall Moran – whose pre match omissions were questioned – both raised important white flags. Kevin Downes, another who could easily slot into the starting attack, was also thrust into the fray.
With an imposing half-forward line (Ryan, Hickey and Breen) and a dangerous full-forward line (Tobin, Hannon and Mulcahy), Limerick are well served offensively from the start. But the figures they can spring from the bench could be crucial.
INPHO/James Crombie
6. JBM and Allen chase Munster crown to savour
An intriguing subplot to today’s game is the two bainisteoirs on the sideline. Clubmates and former teammates, Jimmy Barry-Murphy and John Allen have enjoyed storied hurling careers.
Yet for both men, this is a big occasion and a title would be one that they would savour. For JBM there is the chance to triumph after some choppy waters in his second coming as Cork manager. This is his 14th Munster senior hurling final as a player and manager and he’s only lost once – to Limerick in 1980.
And for Allen, there is the chance to reaffirm his managerial credentials. He did a fine job with Cork and now has the chance to claim a major feat with another county.
INPHO/Cathal Noonan
