Cork prepare for Munster Final

History repeats itself.

On Sunday its déjà vu in the TG4 Munster senior and
junior championships, with the qualifying rounds churning
out a carbon copy of last seasons final pairings.

The collision of Cork and Kerry in the senior decider
has again caught public interest as it’s the seventh
encounter of its kind in 32years. It took three decades
of titanic defeats before the Rebels’ returned with
the Munster champions tag swinging from their necks.

That historic first in 2004 couldn’t have been sweeter
when the Kingdom were stylishly dethroned in Páirc
Ui Rinn, 4-13 1-9.

The soil of Fitzgerald’s Stadium is the battle ground
and the home side are relishing the chance to reclaim
lost property. Cork are favourites, they have to be
as national league winners and reigning Munster champions.
Irrespective of the result, both sides have a shot
at All-Ireland glory, having automatically qualified
for the quarter final stage.

Last season the Rebels’ bowed out to Mayo at this
milestone while Kerry continued to the semi-final
stages. But neither county is looking beyond Sunday
at 3.45pm – pride is at stake. The first tasted so
good, it’s hard to contemplate Cork losing their grip
on the crown. The junior final is a mirror of the
senior scenario, in that Cork also dethroned their
counterparts last season. However the juniors proudly
display eight titles on the shelf. But that’s no excuse
for complacency.

It was predicted to be a Tipperary, Limerick showdown
but the Leesider’s threw a spanner in the works and
paved a path to the final. The fireworks flew last
week during the fourth round tie and the game ended
in deadlock. For this reason alone tensions will be
high at 2.30pm. Come the final whistle it will be
the end of the road for the loser and the suspicion
is that the Premier county will fall. But just barely.

Should Cork win at both grades, they will be the
second county in Munster to do the double, following
Waterford’s dominance at junior and senior level from
1997-2000. They’ll also have won Munster at every
grade for the second year running. But it’s about
the moment. Nothing else.

* The senior final will be broadcast live on 103FM
County Sound.

* Highlights of the finals can be seen on Ard San
Aer on Monday on TG4 at 8.30pm.

Mary White (PRO, Cork Ladies Football)