GER CUNNINGHAM has lost count of the number of times he has played in the goalkeeper's red and white hooped jersey for Cork. It has been established, however, that he will be playing in his 103rd National League match when he lines out against Waterford in Pairc Ui Rinn on Sunday.

He takes the good natured ribbing about his age (he's only 35) from the younger fraternity in the team in his lengthy stride. His physical presence is such that the "slagging" will never get out of hand.

The team in which he plays now has four veterans himself Timmie Kelleher, Brian Corcoran and Ger Manley. But by and large the squad is made up of recruits from the under 21 sides of the past two years, and there is some overlapping as well. Joe Deane and Diarmuid O'Sullivan have come straight from the minor team.

Cunningham holds three senior All Ireland medals, and doesn't rule out another one before the year is out. "I suppose it isn't a bad haul when you consider I have minor and under 21 medals as well. We haven't been in a Munster final since 1992, and that's a long break for Cork," he explained.

"We play the winners of the Clare Kerry match in the semifinal this year, and if we manage to get through that we will face Tipperary, Limerick or Waterford.

"Our National League match on Sunday against Waterford should be interesting, with Gerald McCarthy managing them and Jimmy Barry Murphy in charge of Cork and myself in goal - three Barrs men who played together for Cork.

"It would be even more interesting if we were to meet Waterford in the Munster final. Clare are hot favourite in Munster this year, so we have to get over them first I suppose.

Cunningham first played for Cork in New Ross in 1980 and he has never missed a Munster championship match since.

It is often said that all goal keepers are slightly mad. Cunningham may be the exception which proves the rule. His height and broad shoulders and his calm demeanor under the dropping ball are his characteristics.

He shuns the spectacular, and his only nod in the direction of eccentricity has been his loyalty to the poc fada competition in the Cooley mountains which he dominated for several years.

Sunday's team is unchanged as far as personnel is concerned. Ger Manley and Sean McGrath swap places in attack otherwise the team is the same as that which beat Antrim by 16 points.

Clare, after their thrilling draw with Limerick last Sunday, have recalled three of their All Ireland winning side and have two other changes in the team to meet Offaly.

The three medal winners are goalkeeper Dave Fitzgerald, right half forward Fergal Tuohy and full forward Conor Clancy. Also into the side come Brian Quinn at left corner back, and Barry Murphy at right corner forward.

The relegation play off match between Tyrone and Cavan which was fixed for Clones next Sunday has been postponed until April 6th at the same venue. The teams have agreed to the postponement and the Games Administration Committee has given permission for the change.

Tyrone requested the postponement because a number of their senior playing squad are involved - with the under 21 side which faces - Tyrone in the Ulster championship against Fermanagh at Omagh on Saturday.

The replay of the Dr McKenna Cup semi final between Armagh and Fermanagh, which had been fixed for Irvinestown on Sunday, has also been postponed. No new date has been agreed.