Last weekend in Ruislip showed that some magic remains in the provincial championships and the odds can be overturned in unlikely circumstances. While miracles in a transitional Connacht championship are possible where the big two have dropped their standards, in Munster the underdog is usually put in its place. Waterford enter the home of the All Ireland champions this weekend as 28/1 no hopers and not a sniff of an upset on the cards.
Despite the battling qualities of Limerick and the breakthrough of Clare in 1992 the Munster championship at senior level severely lacks the novelty factor. The fact that Cork received two home ties against Division 4 and Division 3 opposition in the lead up to a likely Munster final also reveals a problem with the system. To freshen up a predictable championship Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford should all be granted home ties when paired against the top two. This would benefit gate receipts, promote football in the weaker counties and increase competiveness. Alas only a couple of thousand will attend Sunday’s clash in a largely vacant Páirc Uí Chaoimh after a mere 4,186 turned up for the first round game with Clare.
All signs suggest a long afternoon for John Owens’ side against a Rebel outfit getting tuned in for another crack at Kerry. Waterford’s winless away record during the league doesn’t instil confidence in the rank outsiders for a start. In their last three meetings Cork’s average winning margin has hit 19 points. They warmed up for Sunday by dispatching Clare a fortnight ago. Nine different scorers registered in a 15 point win over the Banner. They are displaying all the poise and class of champions at this moment in time with Graham Canty restored to the defence to further aid their cause. Patrick Kelly at centre forward directs all the play into the ever lethal duo of Donnacha O’Connor and Daniel Goulding who were both overlooked for All Stars in 2010. Even with six changes in personnel from the Clare game, Conor Counihan calls on 12 of last year’s All Ireland winning team for this game.
Owens will try to stress the positives however with the return of Liam O’Lionain, Gary Hurney and Robert Aherne a welcome boost to the panel. Despite their relegation to Division 4, Waterford remained competitive throughout and lost three of their games by a goal or less. They will aim to stay in touch for as long as is possible. Clare were only six points adrift with twenty minutes left last time out which will be seen as a target to reach for. Unfortunately Cork outscored their opponents 0-11 to 0-2 in the remaining minutes. Rory Donnelly with five points from play exposed some frailties in the Rebel full back line which the two Hurneys and goal threat Mark Ferncombe will hope to reinforce. A lack of a prolific goal scorer in the ranks of their opponents also gives Waterford a glimmer of hope.
They will cling to every glimmer and fight for every break and maybe inject some of the London spirit to keep themselves in the slipstream of the league and All Ireland champions. Realistically, Waterford will hope to gather momentum ahead of a qualifier campaign that is likely to begin on July 9. The handicap betting is placed at 12 points which provides an accurate barometer of a moral victory on Leeside.
Munster SFC Semi Final
Cork v Waterford
Throw in 3.30 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh
Referee: Pat Fox (Westmeath)
Betting:
Cork 1/500 Draw 40/1 Waterford 28/1
Handicap
Cork (-12) 10/11 Handicap Draw (-12) 11/1 Waterford (+12) Evens
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