Cork hurler Ben O'Connor believes that there are no downsides to the team aiming for a League title in 2025, ending their long drought that stretches back to 1998. O'Connor emphasizes the value of competitive matches and sees no issue with prioritizing the League ahead of the Championship. He points out that the timing of the League final, two weeks before the Munster Championship opener, allows for sufficient preparation and even provides an opportunity to blood new players.
Ben O’Connor believes there are no downsides to Cork hurlers breaking their long League title drought this year. Cork last lifted the trophy in 1998, the year before O’Connor began his senior career, and have suffered five final defeats since, most recently to Waterford in 2022. Last year, Clare achieved a League and Championship double, a feat also accomplished by Limerick in 2020 and 2023.
Cork have made a promising start to the 2025 campaign, securing a 15-point victory against Wexford last Saturday, with a highly anticipated clash against Limerick scheduled for Saturday night. O’Connor stated, 'I think you go out to win every game and try to win the League. There are two competitions you play for every year - the League and Championship. Win the League, put that to bed and go after the next one then. “I think there's definitely something to be said about it. You have competitive games. You look at the teams that don't get to the league final, they're looking for challenge matches that weekend. Why not have a proper competitive match? That's my take.' The League final takes place two weeks before Cork commence their Munster Championship campaign against Clare on April 20th, leaving O’Connor with no doubts about their pursuit of silverware in their first season under manager Pat Ryan. “Was it was a couple of years ago there was a League final played on a Sunday and the first round was played the following weekend? That's not ideal. Once there's a couple of weeks in between, I think it's fine. All counties have big panels now so every fella has game time. It's ideal to blood fellas as well.' O’Connor recently concluded his tenure as Cork under-20 manager, guiding them to an All-Ireland title in 2023 with several players now integrated into the senior squad. He added: “Last year and the year before, there was a lot of looking at players and seeing what would they do. But I think Pat and the boys now probably have a fair idea. They can pick 12 of their Championship team already, bar no one getting injured. I'd be thinking in my own head that they can pick that, so it's trying to get a settled team as fast as they can. “Last year, our team changed so much from the first round of the League to the last round. And then from the Championship, it kind of settled down after that. I think this year, the main thing is trying to get things settled as fast as you can, get your best team on the field as often as you can, so that they're all playing together and drive it on from there.'
GAA Hurling Cork League Championship Ben O'connor Pat Ryan Limerick Clare
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Munster secure URC away win with six tries against DragonsBen O’Connor marks debut start for Munster with early try
Read more »
Kerry and Cork hand out debuts for opening round of league actionThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
What time and TV channel is Wexford v Cork on in the Allianz Hurling League?Wexford and Cork clash in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League
Read more »
Wexford Host Cork in Allianz Hurling League OpenerWexford faces Cork in the opening game of Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League. Cork are strong favorites despite Wexford having a depleted side due to injuries and players missing from the team.
Read more »
Two red cards shown as Cork fire 2-21 in league victory over WexfordThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Cork Outclass Meath in Allianz Football League Division Two OpenerCork secured a convincing four-point victory over Meath in their opening Allianz Football League Division Two match at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The game was a showcase of the new rules, with both teams experimenting with the advancements. Chris Óg Jones and Matty Taylor were instrumental for Cork, scoring goals and contributing significantly to their points tally.
Read more »