Brian Hayes celebrates after the epic semi-final over Limerick. Photo: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Is the long wait for McCarthy Cup return about to end?

Hard to believe that it is all of 19 years since the famed Liam McCarthy Cup made its way to Leeside; will Sunday end the heartbreak or will the wait stretch to an unprecedented 20 years?

The fact that we are in the final is testimony to the resolve and spirit within the group, when you consider that back on the last Sunday in April, we were bottom of the group and heading out of the championship.

What has happened since is well documented and here we are back in the final on hurling’s biggest day.

View from the camp

For manager Pat Ryan this is where we always wanted to be. “Our aim since we came is as a selection committee was to win the All-Ireland; that’s what Cork and Cork hurling is all about and we are really looking forward to Sunday.”

Pat reflected on the small margins that changed the dynamics of the season. “Look at last year - 1 point against Limerick or Clare and we would have come out of Munster, this year those things fell our way and we have taken that opportunity.”

Beating Limerick twice has also given them a huge lift. “Well they have been the best team we have seen in recent years and that night in the Páirc gave us huge belief and we backed it by winning our next 3 games and then we were confident we could beat them (Limerick) again in the semi-final.”

There was lots to admire about that performance but as Pat said there were aspects that they would need to improve on. “Well we didn’t score for the last 10 minutes, so that is something we will look to improve and that and a few small things will all come into our preparation.”

For Patrick Horgan the hunt to finally get that elusive medal is now just another 70 minutes away. It’s his 3rd final and he is just savouring the moment. “It is what we all play the game for and it’s just fantastic to be part of it all.”

Having, eventually, knocked over his 700th point he jokingly said: “I didn’t think it was going to come at all, but got there in the end.”

Patrick knows though that Clare are a very good team. “Like us they are here on merit, they recovered from the Munster Final loss and got 2 big wins and they have good players all over the field and it will take a huge effort to win.”

As for a turning point in the season, Patrick was in no doubt: “It had to be the win over Limerick that night in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh; we were a bit unlucky in the first two games, had a player sent-off in both, but the way we kept at it that night it just showed the belief in the panel and it has taking off since.”

As we recalled that night, I asked him had he any nerves taking that last minute penalty. “I hadn’t time to think about it - just put it down and hit it, anyway everyone behind that goal (Blackrock end) were willing it in.”

The Glen Rovers man is confident they can get the job done. “We are in a good place the depth in our squad is very good and plenty of lads are putting their hands up in training and I know if we play to our potential, we can win but as I said it will not be easy. It is after all the biggest game of the year.”

It is the biggest game of the year and that is reflected in the demand for tickets, but despite this and the obvious hype that goes with All-Ireland finals manager Pat Ryan is savouring the occasion. “Well of course you must, this is what Cork hurling is all about; we had enough long nights training in wet and windy conditions and we will be again come November and December, so let’s enjoy this.”

Pat is also confident that his players can deal with it. “Look apart from a few young lads, there is enough experience there to handle the occasion. We got everything out of the way last week, media, suits and all that goes with it so now the focus is on Clare.”

He adds that Clare are a “very good team with lots of quality players, Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell and Peter Duggan to name just a few and how they battled back from losing the Munster Final shows their resolve”.

In recent years Brian Lohan’s side have got the better of Cork, but that does not concern Pat. “Obviously we would have liked to win those games but there was very little in both games, we should have closed out the game in the Páirc this year, but losing a man didn’t help, but look this is different and I know they will feel the same.”

An honour to captain these players

For Sean O’Donoghue this a very special occasion, apart from captaining Cork in an All-Ireland Final, he became a father earlier in the week, and congratulations to Sean and his fiancée Aoife on the birth of their son, Aoife by the way is a Limerick lady, so an interesting last few weeks I would imagine.

Sean though is really looking forward to Sunday: “Absolutely, a short few weeks ago we didn’t think it would happen, especially after losing to Clare, and me getting sent-off, but games can change quickly and that is what happened and the small things that did not go our way last year did this year and here we are.”

The honour of captaining your county on hurling’s biggest day is one to savour. “Without a doubt and it’s a very special honour for my club Inniscarra, my family and hopefully we can finish the job now, but as everyone knows All-Irelands are not won easy.”

Does the captaincy weigh on his shoulders? “Not really, there are a lot of leaders in our dressing-room and I just say what needs to be said and then let the rest take care of itself.”

Reflecting on the semi-final win Sean said: “Despite been behind at half-time, there was no panic as we felt after a good start we left them back into the game, but the start of the 2nd half was brilliant and we had enough in hand to hold off the Limerick fightback to get us over the line.”

Like everyone involved, Sean has huge respect for Clare. “Very good team and they have got the better of us in the last few games but we are ready and looking forward to the game and confident we can get the job done,” he added,

Clare present huge challenge

Because Cork have beaten Limerick twice, and by contrast Clare lost to John Kiely’s men twice, once in Ennis where they led at one stage by 9 points, the perception is Cork will win easily.

Forget that thought.

This is a very experienced Clare side and while they may not have been that impressive in some of their games, they are the league champions and the manner in which they came from behind to beat Kilkenny shows the quality they possess.

Tony Kelly is a key player for the Banner men, now his form has not been great lately, but remember he had a long lay-off through injury, finished the semi-final well and could be peaking at just the right time.

Shane O’Donnell is a contender for Hurler of the Year, and Cork will certainly need to contain him if they are to harbour any hopes of winning, will they deploy Sean O’Donoghue or Niall O’Leary to mark him?

Goalkeeper Eibhear Quilligan kept his side in the game last time out with at least 3 brilliant 1st half saves which had, they gone in, it’s Kilkenny we would be facing on Sunday, but he will be disappointed at the concession of the 2nd goal.

The manner in which Clare won that game was impressive - they hit the last 6 points, kept Kilkenny scoreless in the same period and got over the line by 2 points.

Aidan McCarthy (0-11), David McInerney (MOTM), Mark Rodgers, Ian Galvin and Cathal Malone all played important roles.

David Fitzgerald is another huge player for them and his towering presence in midfield will be a factor, remember his powerful run that led to a crucial goal in the game in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

It is interesting what Brian Lohan said after the win over Kilkenny: “We could have taken 5 or 6 off at half-time we were playing so bad, but the lads responded and we got there in the end.”

The composition of the Clare team will be interesting, with Darragh Lohan, Aaron Shanagher and Ryan Taylor all making important contributions when introduced.

Cork’s starting 15 unlikely to change

Cork certainly put the poor displays against Offaly and Dublin behind them to produce a performance for the ages against Limerick, a repeat and they will be hard to stop, but can they or will they be allowed to?

There were periods that will concern them, and of course Patrick Collins made two absolutely brilliant saves while his puck outs and distribution were spot on, and for a player that has shipped his fair of criticism it was great to see him perform at his best.

The Downey brothers Eoin and Robert were awesome - 6 clean catches between them, Seamus Flanagan taken off and Robert with an inspiring point.

Mark Coleman is almost back to his best, Ciaran Joyce was forceful against a strong Limerick attack, and corner-backs Sean O’Donoghue and Niall O’Leary will need to be tight on their respective attackers, while O’Leary’s pace in breaking forward is a bonus; he has created and scored points throughout the campaign.

The midfield pairing of Tim O’Mahoney and Darragh Fitzgibbon has been a huge success, O’Mahoney’s abrasive approach is working well, while Fitzgibbon’s energy and ability hit long range points is very effective.

The attack has been a revelation in the last few games; 10 shots and 10 points at the start of the 2nd half against Limerick and the pace that Shane Barrett and Alan Connolly possess could really trouble the Clare defence especially the central duo of Conor Cleary and John Conlon.

Declan Dalton has hit some brilliant points from distance and at vital times - Brian Hayes 1-4 last time out is strong and forceful on the ball and will need marking.

Then the experienced duo of Seamus Harnedy and Patrick Horgan, starting survivors from the 2013 final and still vital components of the team who are leaders on and off the field.

Impact off the bench

What has been key to Cork’s progress to the final has been the depth of the squad, even if the subs the last day could have fared better.

Shane Kingston, Robbie O’Flynn, Luke Meade and Ethan Twomey will more than likely play their part at some stage, all quality players and all with a lot to offer.

That could be a game changer.

Incredible support

The manner in which the Cork public has got behind this team has not been lost on the players and management as Pat Ryan acknowledged: “Amazing they never lost faith in us and I know on Sunday as they did against Limerick, they will have the stadium rocking in a sea of red and white and hopefully we will give them something special to shout about.”

It could be a factor. Reflect on the words of Kerry manager Jack O’Connor after their loss last Saturday: “The momentum Armagh got from their huge support was very helpful to them.”

Where will it be won?

There are several areas or even individuals that could shape this contest.

Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell for Clare if they are kept in check, they might struggle.

For Cork the pace in attack is lethal, it’s been crucial to their progress to the final, can Clare match it or even contain it?

Failure to do so will certainly give Cork a vital edge.

Consistency is also important, losing your shape could prove costly, you need to stay in the game, remember against Limerick, Cork hit a rocky patch before the break; Shane Barrett’s point was vital, even after that poor period, they were still only 2 behind.

Nothing is won easy at this level, but Cork are a different team to the one that Clare beat in Munster, there is a confidence and belief now that they can get the job done.

I believe they will, with a consistent 70 plus minutes display they are that bit better balanced and posses more firepower up front.

Cork to win and in the process end the hurt of almost 20 years.

As we always do, Cork’s 96FM/C013 will be in Croke Park with full match commentary and the excitement of the build up.

Rebels abú!

TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Semi-Final

Cork v Galway on Saturday in O’Connor Park Tullamore at 5pm

It has probably been a bit lost given the level of interest in the hurling final and in many respects, that might actually suit Cork. A low key build-up and all that will keep the focus away from a team that is slowly finding its feet after a tough start to the season.

Ironically Galway are the one team they beat in the league and they defeated them in the group phase to secure what proved to be a handy home quarter-final.

Now of course the dynamic of the championship has changed as Galway went to Parnell Park and knocked out the champions Dublin after extra-time and in the process blew the race for the Brendan Martin Cup wide open.

That alone will make Galway favourites as they came from behind that night and dug out a big win with goals proving the difference between victory and defeat.

Aoife O’Rourke got one - the winning one - while Roisin Leonard with 2-3 and impressive displays from Olivia Divilly, Aoife Ni Cheallaigh and Ailish Morrissey secured the narrow win, but Dublin will rue missed opportunities late.

Cork having beaten them twice will face this game in confident mood, Katie Quirke (POTM in June) is back to her best after injury, Melissa Duggan, Daire Kiely, Laura O’Mahoney, Rachel Leahy, Emma Cleary and Hannah Looney all know how to win tight games, which I expect this one to be.

Galway had only 3 scorers in the win over Dublin they will need a lot more to breach a now solid Cork defence; if they can they could win, but you sense that with the champions out of the equation, Shane Roynane will see this as the ideal opportunity get to Croke Park, which given where they were a short few months ago would be an amazing transformation.

A Cork win would make the perfect start to what we all hope will be a memorable weekend.