Allen expecting better show from Cork
July 01, 2016
John Allen during his time as Limerick manager.
©INPHO/James Crombie.
John Allen expects tomorrow evening's All-Ireland SHC qualifier between Dublin and Cork in Pairc Ui Rinn to be a lot closer than the Allianz League encounter between the sides earlier this year.
On that occasion, the Dubs romped to a 4-21 to 2-17 victory, but Allen is anticipating a much better performance from the Rebels in front of their home fans.
Writing in the Irish Times, the former Cork and Limerick manager stated: "The last time the sides met was on a bitterly cold Saturday night in Croke Park in March. Dublin were far too good and Cork's performance was soulless and spiritless.
"The same might be said for their recent game against Tipperary. This is area one for improvement.There are some top class hurlers in the squad but there has been a determination absent that is so necessary to win in all sports.
"Dublin, on the other hand, have the psychological upper hand but won't fancy playing in Cork.
"In the first half of their annihilation of Cork their forwards continually took on the Cork backs and had three goals in a four-minute period before half time .
"But this is a new game with a very different backdrop. This is not the league game that both sides want to win and learn something about their players for the more important championship time ahead. No, this is knock-out with all the significance that has, particularly in Cork where a fairly sizable hard-core loyal following believe in Cork's right to be contenders every year.
"Dublin have a much smaller number of loyal hurling fans. The county board have invested a lot in the promotion of hurling. Their under-21 and minor teams are in the Leinster finals. However the senior team has been inconsistent this year. But they have the decided advantage of having a manager from Cork in their corner.
"Ger Cunningham's detailed knowledge of the Cork players has to count for something. But of course, as always, the match will be won inside the white lines.
"Cork probably have a better squad but do they have that aforementioned determination?"
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