Cork hurling manager Denis Walsh will be keeping a close eye on the senior hurling championship in the Rebel County this weekend, to get to know a little bit more about what he has to work with.
The new man at the helm has had few chances to see his players in action since taking over from Gerald McCarthy in March and insists there are still places available in the squad ahead of the championship.
“Myself and the selectors will be checking on the form of players over the weekend and the opportunity is there for players to make an impact,” said Walsh.
“It’s not a situation whereby we were starting off in January so that makes these games very important.
“I’ll be viewing this weekend differently as we’ll be looking to size up who is on form.”
Aisake O’hAilpin, for instance, will play for Na Piarsaigh against Blarney this weekend, having trialled for the hurlers over recent weeks and appeared in a challenge match against an under-21 selection
Walsh added: “We realise the importance of releasing players to their clubs. Since I took over I have been urging players to get in as many games as possible with their clubs, that’s important.
“This is a big weekend for all players and their clubs, but we’ll be hoping to get the players back next week and then have a couple of good weeks with them before the Tipperary game.”
Cork meet the league finalists and defending champions on May 31st but have a few more challenge games scheduled before that.