Limerick once again underlined their status as one of the teams to beat with a controlled 1-27 to 1-21 win over Cork in the Division 1A final, but the bigger talking point may be what it means for Cork heading into Munster.
Limerick largely dictated proceedings before Cork showed flashes of their quality in spells, particularly towards the end of the first half and during a brief second-half rally.
However, despite those moments, Limerick’s control never truly loosened, and they now hold two wins over Cork this season ahead of their Munster clash later in the season.
Donal Óg Cusack Warns Cork Of ‘Fatal Blow’ Scenario After Limerick Defeat
It’s that wider context that has raised questions, and Donal Óg Cusack believes the real danger lies not in the defeat itself, but in what follows.
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Speaking on League Sunday on RTÉ, Cusack stressed that Cork still have time to respond, but must take the right lessons.
I think overall in the game Limerick were in control for most of it.
Cork were competitive definitely in that last 10-15 minutes before the first half ended, Cork were probably at their best.
It’s in no way a fatal blow. It wasn’t a collapse or anything like that.
But the thing not to learn from it, that’s what the danger is.
Cusack pointed to the contrasting situations both teams now find themselves in heading into Munster.
Limerick, under John Kiely, have the luxury of a bye in the opening round, allowing them time to regroup and assess their rivals.
They’re in a really nice situation now.
A couple of weeks, enjoy the night, John Kiely will be able to observe two of their up-and-coming arch-rivals as they go at it in Thurles.
Cork meanwhile travel to Thurles to take on Tipperary in round one, the same side that defeated them in last year’s All-Ireland final, before welcoming Limerick in a high-stakes second-round clash.
And it’s that sequence that has Cusack concerned.
That could be a fatal blow if the first round doesn’t go right for Cork.
In other words, while the league final defeat may not define Cork’s season, what comes next very well might.
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