Saturday 25 February 2012

Cunningham eager to make league impact 24 February 2012

Selector Ger Cunningham says Cork are determined to make an impact in the Allianz Hurling League.

After a couple of disappointing seasons, supporters are hoping Jimmy Barry-Murphy's return to the managerial hotseat will herald a new and exciting era for Cork hurling.

"It would be a big boost if we can do well in the league because there is nothing like winning matches to give you a bit of momentum and self-belief," Cunningham told the Corkman ahead of tomorrow night's league opener against Waterford at Pairc Ui Rinn.

"Our pre-season preparations couldn't have gone much better, we played two games in the Waterford Crystal Cup, and a number of challenge games and I thought they went off fine.

"It gave us a chance to look at a few new players, although it was a bit of a drawback that we couldn't get a full panel together because of Fitzgibbon Cup commitments. But we have trained very hard, and Jimmy has already brought everything together very well.

"There has been a great reaction to his appointment and, all in all, the attitude of the players has been very positive since we came in."

The former star goalkeeper is expecting nothing easy against a Waterford side that is also under new management.

"They have a good record against Cork over the last number of years, but you'd be hoping that home advantage might swing it for us, even though Pairc Ui Rinn is a venue that most of our lads wouldn't have played too many league matches in," he added.

"I expect it to be a close game, but if we get good support and the crowd gets behind the team, it might make the difference."

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