Allen: We’ll have to be at our best
Cork manager John Allen is hopeful Cork will qualify for their fourth successive All-Ireland hurling final tomorrow once they play to their potential.
Cork’s Justin McCarthy is in charge of a Waterford side looking to usurp the champions and tipped by many to build on their sweeping quarter-final win over Tipperary.
While much has been made of the fact Waterford are the last side to beat Cork back in June 2004, John Allen insists the Déise factor isn’t an issue tomorrow in Croke Park.
“Our recent history means we know we’re well capable of winning and performing against Waterford, we’ve won three of our last four championship matches against them, but it’s up to us to play to our potential on the day,” he said.
Allen says the Rebels are keen to reach the finishing line by stretching their winning streak to a lucky 13 consecutive matches.
“We all want to win at this stage and whether it’s Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny or Clare, we can all see the end line and we all want to get over it in first.
“When it comes to championship we want to beat whoever we’re playing — training has gone well and we’re hopeful we’ll be able to deliver the necessary big performance.”
The reigning All-Ireland champions are the main event at 4pm tomorrow of a packed weekend of Rebel action in Dublin.
Waterford haven’t won an All-Ireland semi-final since 1959 when they last lifted Liam McCarthy, but won’t fear Cork after defeating their near neighbours in 2002 and 2004 under manager Justin McCarthy.
Before the most eagerly awaited hurling match of the season tomorrow, the Cork footballers take on Donegal today at 4pm eager to build on their Munster final over Kerry.
Billy Morgan’s side face a tough task against the Ulster runners-up and Cork have not beaten an Ulster side in the football championship since 1988 against Monaghan.
Cork’s minor hurlers take on the three-in-a-row chasing Galway side led by teenage sensation Joe Canning tomorrow at 12.30pm in the curtain raiser at headquarters, eager to avenge All-Ireland semi-final defeats in 2004 and 2005.
Article courtesy of the Evening Echo newspaper.
