Mark Harrington is hoping the tough battles Cork have already had this season will stand to them in this evening's All-Ireland IHC final against Kilkenny.

The Rebels needed extra-time to defeat Limerick in the Munster semi-final and were also put to the pin of their collars by Waterford in the provincial final.

"You don't want any easy games as they can give you a false perception in your mind," the Douglas clubman told the Irish Examiner.

"We've had three very tough battles but we've showed absolutely great character the whole time. To defeat Limerick was massive after extra-time. Then against Waterford, they were ahead for long stages but we came back at them.

"The strength of our panel showed that night in Dungarvan. It's all about the panel in the modern game, you saw that last week with the senior footballers against Dublin. If you can bring on good subs, it makes a big difference. We're thoroughly looking forward to it now.

"My only concern is the poor start that we've had to our last three games. We need to up the performance at the start. We know Kilkenny are a great side and they have five or six senior panellists to call on. It'll be a big challenge for us."

Between working night shifts as a garda and lining out for Douglas in the Cork SFC (he scored 0-6 in their fourth round win over Carbery on Tuesday night), Harrington has had a hectic schedule. But he isn't complaining.

"It's tough both mentally and physically but you're just going to have to gear yourself for each game at a time. To be fair, the lads in work cater for me a lot as the sergeants in Anglesea Street are great towards me with the GAA.

"Look it's a great complaint to have overall. A lot of fellas are out of action at this time of the summer with their clubs out of championship. It's great to still be going strong with the club in senior hurling and football. But all I'm thinking about now is the Kilkenny game with Cork." Tweet

Most Read Stories