Cork chaos takes from Semple showpiece

NEWS ROUND-UP AND FITZGIBBON CUP:AFTER THE lights, cameras and action in Croke Park, now Thurles gets to mark the GAA's 125th anniversary. The new floodlights look spectacular, there's the obvious historical element and, with one of the great hurling rivalries thrown in, Saturday evening is all set to again lift spirits.

The only problem is the game itself: Tipperary against Cork is normally an occasion to savour; Tipperary against a shadow Cork team could prove to be one of the great mismatches of the year – particularly if Tipperary play as mercilessly as expected.

It would be easy to refer to this as the winter of discontent for Cork hurling, but given the recent panic in the economy, a lot of other people can lay claim to that epithet too. However, the crisis that has kept the county’s leading players out in the cold will inevitably take from what should have been one of the highlights of the GAA’s anniversary year.

Tipperary defender Diarmaid Fitzgerald spoke yesterday of how the occasion is likely to be a lot more muted that anticipated. Few Cork supporters are expected to travel and instead of a packed, buzzing Semple Stadium, the prevailing mood will surely be one of sympathy for the heavy defeat Cork are likely to endure.

“Of course, being honest, it’s a different situation than we’d predicted,” said Fitzgerald.

“As players we can only wish the thing is resolved soon. I’m sure the Cork lads that will be there will try their best and hopefully it can be a good spectacle.

“But you can only really worry about your own shop, your own situation. So we’re just seeing it as another match, another chance to come together and improve as a team. Because at the end of the day, we just want to get the points, win the match. We’ve 33 lads on the panel, and league matches are where you put down your marker for the championship.

“There are lots of lads gunning for positions, not just myself. Everyone will get their chance, so when your chance comes you have to do your best.”

That eagerness to impress only increases the chances of Tipperary running through Cork without leniency. Another aspect of the game was it represented a sort of preview to the pivotal Munster championship clash on May 31st. Fitzgerald admitted there was sympathy for the leading Cork players and the stand they’ve taken:

“From a players’ point of view, we would have some sympathy with the lads. But there hasn’t really been discussion recently, among ourselves, because the dispute has gone on for so long. Overall, everyone wants to see it revolved.

“But I can’t see any easy solution. There is no middle ground. I do think it will be resolved in time for the championship. I don’t think anyone sees the dispute going on that far. In saying that, we didn’t expect it to go on this far.”

Tony Griffin of Clare, who will face Cork on March 22nd, also expressed support for the stance of the Cork hurlers, and agreed there was no easy solution.

“When you’re on the outside it’s hard to give a realistic view of how things are,” he said, “because you’re hearing so much second hand, through the media, or word of mouth. It’s just hard to know what the real story is.

“I honestly think other players are getting on with their own business. We’re too wrapped up in our own little world to think about how things are in Cork. Except that as a player, you’d at least have thoughts of some solidarity, as to if that was us, how would we react?

“But you have to say they’ve been brave, very brave, not to back down. I think a lesser group of individuals would have backed down at this stage, just gone back to work. But they’ve stuck to it.”

Griffin couldn’t predict an outcome that would satisfy both parties: “Like any conflict, they’re never resolved until both parties are honestly willing to work with one another. And I don’t think at this stage that either party are. Maybe I’m wrong in thinking that, but as long as that goes on, I don’t see how it is going to be resolved.”

Like Fitzgerald, however, Griffin is concentrating on his own game, which sees Clare renew rivalries with Waterford this Sunday – a team now under the eye of former team-mate Davy Fitzgerald.

“Obviously the All-Ireland defeat was a massive thing to get over, but no better man that Davy to pull himself together. Some of us are born to face challenges, and he’s definitely one of them.

“The great thing about this league is each game has something to illuminate it past just the league game.

“Davy is more than an individual who wants to succeed. He wants Waterford to succeed. And I can see him managing Clare some day. Unquestionably.”