Cork’s dual stars facing a hectic schedule

Aidan Walsh and Damien Cahalane are following in the footsteps of Teddy McCarthy and Denis Walsh.

In 1987 McCarthy and Walsh were embroiled in four Munster finals on successive Sundays. They eventually overcame Kerry in the football but lost the hurling replay to Tipperary.

"It's a long time ago, I can't exactly remember . . ," said Ger Cunningham, the former Cork goalkeeper. "They're playing dual, they'll be with them and they're not with them and I don't think it had a huge impact as far as I remember."

Walsh and Cahalane will face Kerry this Sunday in Páirc Uí Chaoimh before the Cork venue shuts its doors for significant renovations after the hurling final against Limerick on Sunday week.

“It’s fantastic for them really,” added Cunningham.

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“I suppose their preparation wouldn’t be ideal but at the same time, you can see Aidan Walsh is playing out of his skin in both hurling and football at the moment at both county and club level. He’s playing very well. I think he’s been a huge revelation for the hurlers.

“He’s been fantastic. So far it hasn’t impacted really on him and Damien as well, they’ve got a huge lift out of it. The next four to five weeks are going to be very busy because that’s the crucial time, from now until the middle of August is crucial.”

The football panel have suffered due to a lack of access to the pair as both only prioritised hurling this season.

“The people involved would love to have access alone to the players because they’re so talented and they’re obviously an important part of the squads but I think the impetus and the confidence that they bring when you go from one to the other can give it a lift as well.”

Plans are afoot in Limerick city to televise the Munster hurling final on a big screen in O’Connell Street. The idea is to recreate the 2008 Heineken Cup final between Munster and Toulouse when images of the packed street were beamed live to the Millennium Stadium.