Evening Echo
by John Horgan
5th March 2003

National Hurling League
Cork V Wexford
Sun 9th March 2003

The Cork hurling management are likely to retain the bulk of the team that defeated Limerick in the first round of the NHL for next Sunday's trip to Wexford.

Donal O'Grady and his selectors were pleased to get off to a winning start against the Shannonsiders but now view the assignment on Slaneyside as being crucial in terms of making it to the next stage of the competition.

On the injury front there's some white smoke emerging as well with Blackrock duo Alan Cummins and Paul Tierney back in the frame.

Tierney, recovering from a shoulder problem, came on as a sub for CIT in the Fitzgibbon Cup final against Waterford IT and, while it's unlikely he will be risked this time, expect him to make an appearance sooner rather than later.

Cummins is back in training after being sidelined through injury and Fergal McCormack had the cast taken off his injured hand last week.

Mark Landers is still troubled by a leg injury while Fergal Ryan is currently on holidays.

While the temptation for next Sunday's starting 15 might be to go with the side that started against Limerick there is likely to be one or two changes.

Newtownshandrum's Pat Mulcahy could be introduced in the full-back line, either at full or in the corner and there's a strong possibility that Setanta O hAilpin could be introduced in attack.

He was watched by some of the selectors in the Fitzgibon Cup final and made a telling impression in difficult conditions for Waterford IT.

Both midfielders Derek Barrett and Mickey O'Connell, were called ashore the last day but it's likely that this duo will be given another opportunity to stake their claim again.

Barrett, in particular, was unlucky to be taken off and he will be out to prove a point.

Pointing towards Sunday's game, selector Donie Collins believes it's going to be a big ask to put one over on Wexford. "It's always tough down there, history has proved that, but we will travel in a positive frame of mind," he said.

"Obviously, we were delighted to get over Limerick in the first-round but in terms of how the group will pan out, Sunday's game is crucial. With a home game against Derry to come a win would put us in a strong position for the last two games to Offaly and Tipperary which are not going to be easy assignments.

"We are going well in training and there is a great spirit in the camp. Competition for places is heating up as well and there's a fierce determination among everybody to stake their claim," he added.