Shane McGrath believes it only requires a small change from new Cork hurling manager Ben O’Connor to get the Rebels over the line and end their Liam MacCarthy drought.
The Rebels have lost five finals since their last All-Ireland triumph in 2005, including three of the last five finals.
While the 16-point defeat to Limerick in the 2021 showpiece was as comprehensive as it gets on the big day, by defeating the Treaty juggernaut at the penultimate stage in 2024, the stage seemed set to walk up the steps of the Hogan Stand as champions.
In extra-time, Clare dashed those hopes. Last year, a first league title since the 90s, a dramatic Munster title after getting over Limerick was followed by a demolition of Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Throwing away a six-point interval lead, the Rebels folded after the resumption as Tipperary took the glory, condemning Cork to their most harrowing defeat yet.
Manager Pat Ryan has stepped away, the county’s leading marksman Patrick Horgan also exiting the stage.
Ben O’Connor takes charge of his first Allianz League game when the Rebels host Waterford on Sunday, and speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, former Tipperary hurler McGrath is of the opinion that the three-time All-Ireland winner only needs small tweaks to bring the biggest prize back to Leeside.
Cork hurling manager Ben O’Connor
“Cork are a class outfit, they tick every box,” he said. “It’s just getting it done on the final day.
“Big performances in Munster, in All-Ireland semi-finals, outstanding individual performances, they are just finding it hard getting it done on the biggest day of all.
“It’s not physicality, they are physically as strong, if not stronger, than most teams. It’s not hurling, they are probably the best stickmen.
“I don’t know what it is.
“A subtle style change may help, or changing up the gameplan when required.
“Maybe a Plan B if Plan A doesn’t work. Plan A worked so, so well in the All-Ireland semi-final and it didn’t work in the final.”
Despite the final disappointments in the last five seasons, Cork are currently joint-favourites alongside Limerick to land All-Ireland honours in 2026, but McGrath believes only a subtle change is needed.
“I don’t think they will change much in terms of physicality and effort level, but maybe the way they are playing and setting up, that might be the way they go at it,” he said.
“Maybe Ben O’Connor will bring that different style of play to Cork, because I don’t think much else has to change.
“They will still be one of the hardest teams to play this year.”
Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast on the RTÉ Radio Player, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch Tipperary v Galway in the Allianz Hurling League on Saturday from 6.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.
Watch Allianz League Sunday from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on all matches on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1.