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BY LARRY COONEY

Cork are bidding for a rare three-in-a-row of All-Ireland hurling titles this year. The Rebels were the last team to win a three-in-a-row in 1978 and not surprisingly speculation is already rife by the Lee that John Allen’s team could be set to emulate that feat in this year’s championship.

However if the bookmakers are correct then Kilkenny could be about to do to Cork what they did to them in 2004 — deny them the first three-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles for any team in almost 30 years. Kilkenny with Brian Cody safely back at the helm will certainly be among the leading contenders once again but this year’s championship as last year’s proved could be more than just a two-horse race.

Galway became serious contenders after they shocked Tipperary in their quarter-final tie before the Tribesmen caused the sensation of the championship by eliminating Kilkenny in an enthralling semi-final on a score of 5-16 to 4-18. A week before that memorable semi-final Clare could have caused an even bigger upset by defeating the holders Cork but the real character of the Rebels ensured they survived to successfully defend their title against Galway on All-Ireland final day.

Cork will once again be relying on many of the heroes of last year’s All-Ireland triumph in this year’s campaign. From goalkeeper Donal Og Cusack right through to veteran full forward Brian Corcoran, Cork produced many fine individual performances throughout last year’s campaign.

The successful formula of the current Cork team is built around a solid half-back line of John Gardiner, Ronan Curran and Sean Og O hAilpin in front of All-Star full-back Diarmuid O’Sullivan. Any team that hopes to have any chance of lowering the Rebels colours must somehow overcome their rock-solid defence and also be prepared to compete with their formidable midfield partnership of Jerry O’Connor and Tom Kenny.

Jerry O’Connor’s twin brother Ben also proved to be a real All-Ireland match winner in attack but Cork also have a number of other experienced attacking options in Joe Deane and Brian Corcoran as well as Niall McCarthy on the ‘40.

However the real question about Cork’s prospects for a three-in-a-row is whether or not John Allen’s team will still have the hunger at the end of another championship campaign to win that coveted third consecutive Liam McCarthy title. If their last two successful campaigns are any yardstick then Cork appear to have an uncanny ability to peak just at the right time while their opponents, including Kilkenny, all appear to be experiencing the advanced stages of championship burn-out.

It promises to be yet another exciting hurling championship with a number of serious contenders who could possibly challenge Cork all the way. Although Kilkenny have been installed as favourites to win the Liam McCarthy Cup, and will probably win yet another Leinster title, Cody’s Cats will be keen to avoid yet another championship banana skin at the semi-final stage.

Galway will be encouraged by their progress of last year and an All-Ireland title breakthrough cannot be too far away for the Tribesmen. However Cork’s real threat to their three-in-a-row ambitions could possibly come from Munster itself where all four counties will be keen to end Cork’s hold on both the provincial and All-Ireland titles.

While Waterford appear to be the more favoured, followed by Clare and Tipperary at 12-1, an improving Limerick team at 20-1 could be the best long shot for this year’s All-Ireland title. The appointment of Babs Keating, who has returned to the Tipperary helm after 12 years, is also sure to improve the Premier County’s chances of winning their first All-Ireland title since 2001. However Clare, who could be set to part company with some of their greatest long serving players who have become legends in the Banner County since the early ‘90s, appear to have some major team rebuilding ahead of them.

Nevertheless the Rebels should still fancy their chances of winning a coveted three-in-a-row and since Cork have the most solid and settled side ahead of this year’s championship, it is difficult to look beyond John Allen’s team to win their 31st title. Don’t rule out the prospect of yet another Cork-Kilkenny decider if the Rebels are to complete the first three-in-a-row of All-Ireland titles since Jimmy Barry-Murphy scored the decisive goal in a 1-15 to 2-8 victory over the Cats in the 1978 decider.