Cork on cusp of greatness, but Tipperary in decline

Camogie All-Ireland Final: Not exactly a dream advertisement for camogie but Cork, winners over Tipperary yesterday by 0-12 to 0-4, are now on the cusp of being branded a great team. That's back-to-back All-Irelands, both at the expense of Tipperary.

Two markedly different Tipperary teams, mind. Five players from the five-time All-Ireland-winning team of 1999 to 2004 never returned for pre-season training last winter.

"In Tipperary, Cork or Kilkenny there are no transition years, we are expected to have the talent," said Tipperary manager Paddy McCormack in an admirable refusal to seek excuses.

The Tipperary forwards were hugely disappointing. A total of four points, one in the fourth minute of injury-time and another from midfielder Joanne Ryan, does indicate a team deep in transition, regardless of McCormack's assertion.

In the end, Cork retained the O'Duffy Cup with 12 points and some remarkable defending. So, a double double - in camogie and football - can now be realised as Cork are also in the All-Ireland football final on October 1st.

It's a poor reflection of camogie's strength in depth that Tipperary made it back to the final.

In the first game on the menu at Croke Park yesterday, Tipperary and Kilkenny served up a classic in the All-Ireland Under-21 hurling final for the 20,685 crowd.

Tipperary looked winners until Kilkenny's minor sensation, and DJ Carey's cousin, Richie Hogan stole a goal with the last flick of the contest, to leave the scores locked at 2-14 each.

The replay is next Saturday - with Thurles the probable venue, though, due to redevelopment, the dressingrooms at Semple Stadium may not be available.