TJ Ryan's player-by-player guide to the All-Ireland hurling final
1. Rhys Shelly
Has won the battle for the No 1 jersey with Barry Hogan. A clean sheet against Kilkenny in Croke Park under his belt is a huge positive. Puckouts have improved through the season and his long puckout is serious.
2. Robert Doyle
The find of the year after Liam has moved him from attack to the full back line. Not an easy move and everyone knows only the really good ones can play in the forwards and the full-back line.
3. Eoghan Connolly
Eoghan has the ability to play in any of the back six positions which is very important in the modern game. Three super points from play in the semi-final. Couple that with his threat from long range frees and he is a key cog in the Tipp defence - and on the scoreboard.
4. Michael Breen
As the saying goes, 'Mikey Breen is a machine'. A powerful defender with the physicality required to handle one of Cork's big guns. Needs to be a little more ruthless defensively at times.
5. Craig Morgan
Classy defender who also will be comfortable in different positions at the back. Has recovered brilliantly from his injury and could be the one detailed with a man-marking role.
6. Ronan Maher (capt)
The captain and leader of the defence for Tipperary. A class act, superb long range striker of the ball. Can anyone hit a line ball further than Ronan? Wouldn't surprise me if he was sent to curb the Brian Hayes influence. Big game player too.
7. Bryan O'Mara
Former Fitzgibbon Cup winning captain with UL. Again very versatile position-wise. The Holycross man has been hugely effective all year. Will be challenged with following his man versus minding the back three. Well able though.
8. Willie Connors
The painted man in the middle of the field. Teak tough player who can chip in with long-range points from the middle third. Big show of faith by Liam in an area that's vital for Tipp to get right. Big game required. Tim and Darragh are a huge test.
9. Conor Stakelum
Inspirational in the semi-final even though he wasn't named to start. Three brilliant points from play and one of the key Tipperary players early on when the ship was taking on water. Might just have fixed the Tipp midfield puzzle.
10. Jake Morris
Jake has led the attack all year. In hurler of the year mode. His pace and running off the ball will be a concern for Cork. Can be equally effective on the inside line. Four points from play in the semi-final. Will need tight watching.
11. Andrew Ormond
All-Ireland U20 winner with Tipperary in 2019, Despite being around a while, Andrew has been one of the finds of the season across all the inter county scene. Similar to Jake Morris, he adds huge pace to the half forward line.
12. Sam O'Farrell
Another brilliant find for Liam Cahill. Probably better known as a wing back, he has epitomised the Tipp effort all year by playing in whatever role he has been tasked. Captained the U20s to the All-Ireland last month. Incredible debut season.
13 Darragh McCarthy
I really like watching this lad. Has the beautiful moving feet that a tricky corner forward needs and he is hardy. Up and down year. Two silly yellows in the semi and the sending off in the Páirc, but he already has an All-Ireland medal with the U20s.
14. John McGrath
Since his goals in the first round against Limerick he has been star quality. Oozes class every time he is on the ball. Makes scoring look easy. I did hear the chant in the semi final "Ooh aah John McGrath". We could hear it again.
15. Jason Forde
His striking off both sides is exceptional. MOTM in their semi-final win over Kilkenny, scoring a great goal in the first half. Took over the frees in the second half and pinged them from really difficult positions and at critical times. Big player for Tipp.
Tipperary Bench
Noel McGrath is the name that jumps off the page. Every Tipp fan will be hoping Tipperary are in a winnable position on 52 mins and Noel will steer the ship home for the last quarter. A nice mix of experience and youth on the bench. Seamus Kennedy and Alan Tynan could very well feature and up top Oisín O'Donoghue and Darragh Stakelum will be ready. Oisín has a goal in him and that's a big help. So does Paddy McCormack who is an interesting addition.
Tipperary Manager: Liam Cahill
Liam must have had loads of sleepless nights when planning for the 2025 season. He made some big calls, some big omissions and mixed them with some big additions on and off the field. The introduction and management of the U20s has been brilliant and gave the Tipperary faithful hope early on. He has gone from being one of the managers under huge pressure back in January to possibly manager of the year by July. What a turnaround.
CORK
1. Patrick Collins
Super season so far. In pole position for the All-Star. Shot stopping, puckouts and reading of the game have all improved greatly over the last two seasons. Will be facing forwards well able to finish goal chances. A big save could be critical.
2. Niall O Leary
Was probably the leading corner back in the country up to his injury. Missed the Munster final but returned for the semi-final win over Dublin. Big challenge to shut down Forde but more than capable.
3. Eoin Downey
The full back spot has been an issue for Cork for a while now. Eoin has fixed that. Question about aerial ability but coped really well against Dublin. Shutting down John McGrath will be important.
4. Seán O'Donoghue
Brilliant hook, flick and block in the semi-final. Be interesting to see the early exchanges with Darragh McCarthy after what happened in the Páirc. Could be a key duel this one.
5. Ciarán Joyce
Superb hurler. Can play at 5, 6 or 7. Has filled in at 6 for Robert Downey during the year. The tag 'Rolls Royce Joyce' is not lost on him. Very strong in the air, especially second half in the Munster final against Cian Lynch.
6. Rob Downey (capt)
The skipper and brother of Eoin in the full-back line. Scored an amazing goal in last year's final. Very important player for Cork and needs to be fully fit. The Cork fans respond to Rob driving forward.
7. Mark Coleman
Dynamic pacey wing back who has had a brilliant season so far. Lovely striker of the ball, especially from sidelines. To be fair to him, he has silenced the doubters questioning the defensive side of his game.
8. Tim O'Mahony
The Newtownshandrum man brings the physicality to the middle third. His runs forward are starting to reap big rewards with two goals in the semi-final. Travelling companion of Darragh and they have forged a formidable partnership.
9. Darragh Fitzgibbon
One of the top hurlers in the country for the last two seasons. Covers huge amount of ground and always contributes to the scoreboard. Can take frees too. Has it all. A cert in everyone's Fantasy Hurling team.
10. Diarmuid Healy
Landers tipped us off about this fella a while back. Hasn't had a straightforward year but Pat has managed him brilliantly. Had a really good Munster final and has pace to burn. The scores are coming too.
11. Shane Barrett
Brilliant against Kyle Hayes in the Munster final and contributed 1-3. Your modern, fast-moving, scoring centre forward. Will take serious watching from a Tipperary viewpoint.
12. Declan Dalton
In outstanding form all year when fully fit. His points from range are a big feature for this team both from play and frees. Added an aerial presence too to the Cork half forward line that was needed.
13. Patrick Horgan
Ever-present since 2008 in the Cork full-forward line. Top championship scorer of all time. Need I say anymore? An absolute gem of a corner forward with wrists of gold. Is it his time?
14. Alan Connolly
The hat-trick hero from the semi-final. Quietish season up to then by his high standards but Croke Park brings him to life. Has goals on his mind which you love to see in inside forwards.
15. Brian Hayes
The big corner forward has been instrumental in Cork's return to the top table. His goal scoring and assists are top notch while his knockdowns are a new feature for inside forwards. Danger every time he is on the ball. Front-runner for POTY.
Cork Bench
Loads of strength, especially in attack. Damien Cahalane and Tommy O'Connell have been the key men defensively. A fully fit Cormac O'Brien will be a help. Up front they have loads of options. Seamus Harnedy (if fit), Conor Lehane, Shane Kingston, Robbie O'Flynn. The list goes on. Their bench won the Munster Final for them.
Cork Manager: Pat Ryan
Pat has had an outstanding year so far on the field. Two cups already on the table and the clean sweep is on. One can only imagine how difficult things were off the field for Pat. A tremendously likeable man, it is easy to see why the players have so much love and respect for him. His honesty is admirable, approach is straightforward, and the way they play is exciting. Pat has certainly put the cocky back in Cork which could be dangerous for everyone else.
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