As a boy growing up I remember Cork as the dominant force in hurling: the county with the most All Ireland titles in every grade. Hurling and Cork were synonymous, not unlike Kilkenny today. I was raised on stories of Ring, JBM and Fenton. Back then, Cork county finals were attended by hurling men the length and breadth of Ireland.

What has happened?

It seems to me like Cork has lost it's hurling identity. I am saddened when I look at Cork teams now and see a dearth of skill and courage. Cork under 21s with a poor first touch and lack of conditioning, senior hurlers without the basic skills, minors lacking the belief to close out championship games. All in a county which should have more hurlers than any other.

In an age when hurling is prospering in many parts of Ireland, it is crucial that the game's largest traditional stronghold does not become a hurling backwater.

Adrian85 (Dublin) - Posts: 9 - 03/07/2015 08:41:41    1746771

Did Cork not go within a Hail Mary shot from a corner back in injury time from winning an AI in 2013.

I think the whole demise of Cork hurling is laregly over exaggerated. They may be not up to Tipp and Kilkenny but they would not be far off any of those teams either.

woops (Kerry) - Posts: 2073 - 03/07/2015 09:14:57    1746794

What has happened to Cork hurling??
03/07/2015 08:41:41 Adrian85 County: Dublin Posts: 7
As a boy growing up I remember Cork as the dominant force in hurling: the county with the most All Ireland titles in every grade. Hurling and Cork were synonymous, not unlike Kilkenny today. I was raised on stories of Ring, JBM and Fenton. Back then, Cork county finals were attended by hurling men the length and breadth of Ireland.
What has happened?
It seems to me like Cork has lost it's hurling identity. I am saddened when I look at Cork teams now and see a dearth of skill and courage. Cork under 21s with a poor first touch and lack of conditioning, senior hurlers without the basic skills, minors lacking the belief to close out championship games. All in a county which should have more hurlers than any other.
In an age when hurling is prospering in many parts of Ireland, it is crucial that the game's largest traditional stronghold does not become a hurling backwater. Other counties have improved a lot. Cork hurling doesn't get as many of the best athletes due to other sports improving a lot in recent times. Coaching mightn't be as good.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 03/07/2015 11:58:59    1746932

I think the whole demise of Cork hurling is laregly over exaggerated.

I don't think it is. I work there, I have yet to see any kid with a hurley in their hand as I drive home through the city. If I drive through Limerick City I see loads. That's not the only barometer, but by God things have changed.

slayer (Limerick) - Posts: 6480 - 03/07/2015 12:06:17    1746935

To some extent I would be concerned however Rochestown and Hammies had good harty cup runs. Cork beat limerick in the munster minor championship already. Cork lose one provincial game and their out. Limerick have lost one provincial game and their in a munster final.This structure needs to be revise for minors and development of young players. Cork were missing their marquee forward for this game. The are of course areas of concern like the poor standard of the senior club championship. I think the big problem is the lack of promotion of Gaelic Games in primary schools. Children in Cork are exposed to Gaelic Games by their parents or not at all. This goes back to my point in previous thread about the unparalleled work the clergy put into sport and education in this country

The_Bull (Cork) - Posts: 248 - 03/07/2015 13:00:08    1746978

The-Bull....spot on on all points posted. The minor situ a travesty and a kick in the teeth to young lad's
who already beat Limerick comprehensively. It was good to see Rochestown and the Hammies provide some light
in the very dark tunnel. As the much maligned "Men in Black" institution's we all atteneded....their demise,
Farna, the Mon, Sully's Quay, has left a huge void in underage training, competition. Went to the Quay myself
and most of the Brother's were from Tipp and Clare....the were damn good never-say-die mentor's! However,
its been a long while since I'v seen a Cork team man-up, and fight for every ball against the top tier (which we
are not)teams. Would love to see our player's puke their gut's up and die for every 50/50 ball. Our approach....
too soft...love JBM...but...need better coaching, tougher mentality like KK, Tipp & Galway. Agree Donal O'Grady,
John Allen should be part of the set-up again and urgently. My....if only we had Justin Mc along the way?!

eaglehaslanded (Cork) - Posts: 135 - 04/07/2015 11:05:23    1747286

Well we are still alive but I'm not overly impressed. First half obviously went well but in fairness Wexford were terrible in that half. Their first touch wasn't even junior standard. Second half Wexford upped it and all Cork's frailties came to the fore. They pulled men back all over the field and went over 20 minutes without scoring. Lehane came to rescue with 2 late points but overall it was a nervy poor 2nd half performance. Would KK or Tipp have struggled like that, not on your nellie, they would have buried Wexford. I'm glad we are still there whilst there's life there's hope, and hope is all we have.

corkcelt (Cork) - Posts: 4388 - 04/07/2015 20:41:56    1747508

I "watched" it on the radio. Can't understand Wexford's decision to play against the breeze in the 1st half. You take advantage in anyway you can when you can. As to the topic of the thread I remember hearing a discussion on Cork hurling about 10 years ago and the forecast was made then that the slow demise of the city clubs Barrs, Glens and Rockies would ultimately reflect on the county team.

Maroonatic (Galway) - Posts: 1060 - 04/07/2015 21:02:15    1747522