PREVIEW: Hurling aristocrats ready for crackling fireworks as Tipperary and Cork clash again!

Finals are for winning and few understand that as well as Brendan Cummins, the Tipperary Under 20 manager who will have his team primed for this Fridays Under 20 Munster final against Cork which promises to be an exciting encounter between the aristocrats of Munster hurling.

The roll of honour, including the former Under 21 grade which was much loved for generations until it became an Under 20 competition, sees Cork at the top with 22 titles followed by Tipperary just behind on 21 titles.

Limerick, Clare and Waterford have 17 titles between them highlighting the dominance of the ‘big two’ at the grade. 

In many ways it has taken on more significance than the current minor grade as a barometer for players to emerge onto adult county teams, as the current minor grade is a juvenile Under 17 competition currently. 

Since going into the role three years ago two time All-Ireland winner Brendan Cummins and his backroom team, which includes Fintan O’Connor and Borris Ileigh’s Paddy Stapleton, have focused on developing players skill levels and game management as well as forging a winning mentality while looking to claim silverware.

Titles have been elusive to date during Cummins’ Under 20 reign but next Friday evening presents the best opportunity so far for honours.

The team play a lovely blend of fast, ‘let the ball do the work’ type of hurling. Backboned by successful Harty cup teams from Cashel Community School and Nenagh CBS, a number of other players from the All-Ireland winning minor hurling team of 2022 have really come of age across this campaign.

The Tipperary Under 20 hurlers have secured three wins out of four in championship games so far and they just narrowly missed out on the win against Clare last time out.

The Banner subsequently lost to a determined Cork in the semi final and so next Friday’s final presents an intriguing encounter. 

Tipperary will look for goals again They had three in the first forty minutes of the round robin clash. Senan Butler from Kilsheelan-Kilcash struck the hat-trick for Tipperary when the teams met last time while Nenagh CBS Harty Cup winner Darragh McCarthy was also to the fore, as he has been across the campaign. 

Other forwards to shine include Cashel King Cormacs teenager Oisin O’Donoghue who has been a key player to date for this team.

The big drawback for Tipperary going into the final is that Paddy McCormack  is out injured for the rest of the championship. The Borris Ileigh native had scored three points from play before he picked up a nasty hand injury against Clare in the first half last time out.

He will be a huge loss but Joe Egan has returned to form following  a long lay off and he will be hoping to get the nod to contribute on the night. 

Skillful Cashel CS Harty cup medalist Adam Daly has revelled in the open spaces around centrefield and will need to dominate the middle on Friday night along with Sam O’Farrell.

Defensively Ben Currivan has been the rock for Tipperary while former Munster rugby prospect Mason Cawley from Nenagh offered strength and power from deep.

When the teams met in the round-robin series the three Butler goals were the difference but Cork will be armed with earned experience and knowledge this time around.

After ten games in charge of the Cork Under 20s, that defeat to Tipperary in this year’s round-robin is the only blot on bainesteoir Ben O’Connors CV. His former Cork teammate Ronan Curran is also part of their management group.

This Cork team, when they click, are formidable. Seven of last year’s All-Ireland winning team feature this time around as well including Darragh O’Sullivan and James Dwyer in defence. Tadhg O’Connell, Diarmuid Healy and William Buckley of St Finbarr’s are all quality players.

Since the earlier defeat to Tipperary in the round-robin they have also strengthened their squad with Cork Under 20 football captain Hugh O'Connor being brought directly into the half forward line and he played very well against Clare. 

Initially the football captain had opted to play football but Ben O’Connor drafted him into the hurling set up as soon as he became available to play for the hurlers.

Barry O’Flynn was another panelist this year showing form in training ahead of the Clare game, and when he got his chance the 17-year-old rifled in the all important goal that evening. 

Barry Walsh is arguably their ‘go to’ forward and will take close watching by the backs as it took a great save from Tipperary goalkeeper Eoin Horgan to deny him a goal last time out. 

Expect an open, freeflowing shootout on Friday night. Tipperary had 27 shots on target against Clare while Cork rifled 1-23 past Clare in the semi-final.

It is a reenergised Cork side that Tipp will face next Friday evening but it will be their 2nd game in seven days while Tipperary haven’t played since the Clare game on May 10th.

It will be interesting to see if Cork bring momentum from last week into this game or if the two week break benefits Tipperary more.

Tipperary manager Brendan Cummins says his side will approach this week like any other: “we will knuckle back down again.

“The cornerstone of what we are doing is workrate and we are seeing loads of that so that is the key thing for us,” he said before momentarily dwelling on the thoughts of the final, adding “it is going to be a serious battle.”

Those travelling are advised to get there early with traffic congestion expected while for those who can’t make it the game is live on television via TG4 on Friday evening.

It throws in at 8pm at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick with the later than usual throw in time as the Limerick senior hurlers are training at the venue beforehand. 

As the dark falls, you can be sure of a close game. There will be fireworks. Tipperary and Cork hurlers will ensure there is.