Hayes to Start for Cork Against Tipperary in Allianz Hurling League final: A Deep Dive
Table of Contents
- 1. Hayes to Start for Cork Against Tipperary in Allianz Hurling League final: A Deep Dive
- 2. Cork’s Lineup Takes Shape for Crucial Final
- 3. Strategic Adjustments in Attack
- 4. The Bench Boost
- 5. Historical Context and the Stakes
- 6. Teams
- 7. Cork
- 8. Substitutes – Cork
- 9. What are Liam O’Connell’s predictions for the final?
- 10. Interview: Liam O’Connell on Cork’s Allianz Hurling League Final Prospects
Brian Hayes’s recovery bolsters Cork’s lineup as they face Tipperary in a highly anticipated Allianz Hurling League Division 1 final.This matchup carries critically important weight,with both teams eager to break long-standing title droughts.
By archyde.com News Team
Cork’s Lineup Takes Shape for Crucial Final
In a significant boost for Cork, Brian Hayes, the St Finbarr’s clubman and prolific scorer with six goals in the league campaign, has been declared fit to start in Sunday’s Allianz hurling League Division 1 final against Tipperary. The game is set for 4 p.m. at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Hayes’s availability was initially uncertain after he sustained a knee injury during Cork’s victory over Galway a fortnight ago. Initial fears suggested a potentially season-ending injury, but a subsequent scan revealed a less severe issue, allowing him to return to the squad sooner than expected.
Cork makes four changes to the team that triumphed over galway. Eoin Downey of Glen Rovers reclaims his position at full-back, accompanied by Niall O’Leary and Seán O’Donoghue. This adjustment results in Damien Cahalane,who stepped in during the win against Clare,moving to the bench. Furthermore, Cormac O’Brien of Newtownshandrum, a starter in four of the five previous games before the Galway match, will wear the number 7 jersey, replacing Mark Coleman, who is named among the substitutes.
Strategic Adjustments in Attack
In the forward line, Diarmuid Healy, an All-ireland minor and U20 medalist, is set to start at right half-forward, taking the place of Brian Roche.Healy previously scored 1-5 in his only start against Kilkenny. Darragh Fitzgibbon remains at centre-forward,while Ethan Twomey and Tim O’Mahony continue thier partnership in midfield. Shane Barrett will occupy the left wing position.
Adding another layer of intrigue, Alan Connolly replaces Declan Dalton in the full-forward line, despite Hayes’s recovery. This marks the first time this year that the starting front three from last year’s All-Ireland final – Patrick Horgan, Connolly, and Hayes – will take the field together. In total, the Cork lineup features 12 players who participated in the defeat to Clare in Croke Park last July. O’Brien, Twomey, and Healy are the additions, substituting for Coleman, Séamus Harnedy, and Dalton, all of whom are listed as substitutes.
The Bench Boost
Adding depth to the squad, Ger millerick, Dalton’s clubmate from Fr O’Neills, is available on the bench. Millerick had been a consistent presence in the first three games before a hamstring injury forced him to withdraw during the first half of the win over Kilkenny.
Historical Context and the Stakes
Cork’s quest for a league title is fueled by a long-standing drought, their last victory dating back to 1998. Their last triumph over Tipperary in a final occurred even further back, in 1953.Tipperary, on the other hand, is striving to end a 17-year wait, with their last title win in 2008. Both counties have experienced heartbreak, having lost five finals each since their last victories.
These kinds of droughts are not dissimilar to those seen in American sports.For example, the Chicago Cubs famously broke a 108-year World Series drought in 2016, a moment that resonated far beyond baseball fans. Similarly, the pressure on Cork and Tipperary to end their respective title famines will be immense.
sport/hurling/2025/0315/1502265-allianz-hurling-league-round-7-all-you-need-to-know/">As has been well-documented, Cork’s last league title came in 1998 while the last time they beat Tipperary in a final was in 1953. Tipp are seeking to bridge a 17-year gap back to 2008, with both counties having lost five deciders since their last wins.
Teams
Here are the confirmed lineups for the Allianz Hurling League final:
Cork
CORK (Allianz HL final v Tipperary): Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig); Niall O’Leary (Castlelyons), Eoin Downey (Glen Rovers), Seán O’Donoghue (Inniscarra); Ciarán joyce (castlemartyr), Robert Downey (Glen Rovers), Cormac O’Brien (Newtownshandrum); Tim O’Mahony (Newtownshandrum), Ethan Twomey (st Finbarr’s); Diarmuid Healy (Lisgoold), Darragh Fitzgibbon (Charleville), Shane Barrett (blarney); Patrick Horgan (Glen Rovers), Alan Connolly (Blackrock), Brian Hayes (St Finbarr’s).
Substitutes – Cork
Subs: Brion Saunderson (Midleton), damien Cahalane (St Finbarr’s), Ger Millerick (Fr O’Neills), Tommy O’Connell (Midleton), Mark Coleman (blarney), Luke Meade (Newcestown), Brian Roche (bride Rovers), Séamus Harnedy (St Ita’s), Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neills), Declan Dalton (Fr O’Neills), Jack O’Connor (Sarsfields), Shane Kingston (Douglas).
What are Liam O’Connell’s predictions for the final?
Interview: Liam O’Connell on Cork’s Allianz Hurling League Final Prospects
Interviewer: Welcome, Liam. Thanks for joining us to discuss the upcoming allianz Hurling League final between Cork and Tipperary. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling encounter.
Liam O’Connell (GAA Analyst): Thanks for having me. It’s a massive game,and the anticipation is building.
Interviewer: Absolutely. Cork fans are buzzing with the news that Brian Hayes is fit to start. How important is his return?
Liam O’Connell: Brian Hayes’s presence is huge. With six goals in the league,he’s a key player. His knee injury scare put a damper on things, but his recovery gives Cork a massive boost upfront, especially given the absence of Séamus Harnedy from the starting lineup.
Interviewer: The lineup changes are intriguing. Cormac O’Brien in for Mark coleman is another notable switch. How do you see these adjustments impacting the team’s dynamic?
Liam O’Connell: O’Brien’s inclusion adds fresh legs and tactical versatility in the half-back line. he’s been remarkable in the games he’s played. Coleman is a reliable player,but the change allows for a different approach,maybe one focused on more defensive stability. The fact that there are 12 players that participated in the defeat to Clare in Croke Park last July indicates the core team remains largely intact, with a few judicious amendments to ensure freshness in key areas.
Interviewer: We are also seeing some changes in the forward line with the inclusion of Diarmuid Healy in place of Brian Roche and Alan Connolly taking the place of Declan dalton. How do these changes impact the overall strategy of the team?
liam O’Connell: In the forward line, Healy’s inclusion gives them another attacking threat. his previous scoring record against Kilkenny shows what he is capable of. Furthermore, the addition of Alan Connolly to the full forward line along with Horgan and Hayes adds serious firepower. the last time these three started together was last year’s All-Ireland Final, this will give a huge boost to the confidence of the team.
interviewer: The past context is fascinating. Cork hasn’t won a league title sence 1998, and hasn’t beaten Tipperary in a final since 1953. What’s the psychological impact of these long droughts?
Liam O’Connell: It’s significant. the pressure is intense after so manny years without silverware. Both teams are desperate to break this cycle. These kinds of droughts are not dissimilar to those seen in American sports. Both counties have tasted the bitterness of defeat so many times.It’s a chance to make history, but the weight of expectation can be a heavy burden.
Interviewer: what are the key matchups that you think will decide the outcome of the game?
Liam O’Connell: The midfield battle is critical. O’Mahony and Twomey against tipperary’s engine room will be crucial. Also, the full-forward line of Cork against the Tipp full-back line. Those battles will set the tone of the game.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what will be the key factors for cork to emerge victorious?
Liam O’connell: They need Hayes to be at his clinical best. They must also maintain discipline and stay composed under pressure. A strong start is crucial to set the tone for the match.
Interviewer: Thank you,Liam. A truly insightful discussion. For our readers, what are your thoughts on this final? Share your predictions in the comments below!
Interviewer: (to Liam): the addition of depth on the bench is good for Cork. Could this be the year?
Liam O’Connell: Absolutely, with the availability on the bench of Ger millerick from Fr O’Neills and the return of the stars gives them a great chance of winning.
