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With Cork in a better position to challenge this year than last a more competitive National Hurling League should be the result, writes John Falvey
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Thursday February 18 2010
CORK will be looking to burst the shutters open and let the light shine on its hurlers once again this year. After a frustrating few years, the storms appear to have settled in the Cork camp. This will enable the players to concentrate fully on playing hurling, thus the only selection headache manager Dennis Walsh will have is how to best utilise his twin towers Michael Cussen and Aisake Ó hAilpín.
A strong Cork is vital to any hurling season, and no doubt the Rebels will be equipped to challenge on all fronts this season, with Croke Park in September being the ultimate goal.
The league will be the perfect stage to unleash the afore mentioned Cussen and Ó hAilpín. These two giants could prove to be a real handful and their very presence in the forward sextet could upset even the best of defences.
Cork will use the league to prime their squad of players for the Munster Championship and AllIreland series beyond. They still have a squad of gifted individuals, who if drilled correctly can trouble any side on their day.
Newtown's exit from the Club Champioship while devastating for the players in question, means Dennis Walsh can chose from a full panel of players for the league campaign.
The Rebels are a team with vast experience, and they are all aware of what is required to be successful. They will be relying on the old guard to aid the younger players in the squad. Walsh will be hoping the likes of Leigh Desmond can make a big impact on the senior scene, and aid the Rebels in their quest to return to the summit of the hurling world.
