MUCH OF THE talk has been of Dundalk’s golden opportunity to clinch a league and FAI Cup double for the first time in 27 years since they wrapped up a second consecutive title last month.
That couldn’t be further from the truth Leeside, however, as John Caulfield aims to mastermind an upset when the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division’s top two lock horns at the Aviva Stadium this afternoon (3.30pm).
For the second year running, Cork City played second fiddle to Stephen Kenny’s men — finishing 11 points off what is undoubtedly the best team in the country right now.
And while the league table never lies, the Rebels boss can vouch that the favourites tag goes out the window on cup final day.
“I remember we were underdogs in the 1998 final and Shelbourne were hot favourites that day as they had a very good side,” Coughlan, who played in both games at Dalymount Park, told The42 this week.
“The first game finished 0-0, but we were the better team in the replay and Derek Coughlan scored the winner with a header.
“It was huge for us as a club and the supporters. A lot of people didn’t give us a chance so it was a nice way to win the cup.”
Having come within two points of the champions in 2014, Cork were unable to bring the title race right down to the wire this year and Coughlan accepts that improvements are needed.
“Obviously I’m disappointed that we couldn’t finish closer to Dundalk but we have finished runners-up, got to a cup final and are in Europe again next season,” he said.
“I know next year we will be expected to push them even more but the important thing is that we are progressing.”
“What you’re aiming to do is compete at the top and gett into cup finals and Europe. The fans want to see trophies so I have to work as hard as I can to get the squad right and make sure that we’re competing.”
Cork are winless in with the Lilywhites this season (one Dundalk win and two draws) the Cork manager predicts there will be little or nothing between them today.
I don’t see it being a 4-3 or a 5-4 but I think it could go to extra-time or even penalties as games between us have been tight in recent times,” he said.
“We are up against it as Dundalk are odds-on favourites as the majority of people think they will win the double.
“At the same time, it’s up to us to put it up to them by playing our best. If we can do that, then I believe we will win.”
With just two FAI Cups to their name (1998 and 2007), it will be Cork’s first appearance at the Aviva Stadium and they plan to make it a day to remember.
“We’ve haven’t been there since it’s been done up and it’s a fantastic stadium so it will be great for the players and the fans,” Caulfield added.
“A big crowd is expected and we’re hoping to bring a huge support up with us from Cork.
“We’re a big family club with lots of kids as well so it should be a great atmosphere and a super occasion.”
cork needed the win more …limerick competed …both sides will be happy at this stage in the year .
Dont know where ye got the stat that limerick were looking to secure their 5th victory on the bounce over cork. Their last 2 meetings were draws
@domas1507: Getting bate after extra time doesn’t count no?
@Padraig McElligott: actually no. The game us officially recorded as a draw if its level at full time. The extra time is to decide who goes forward but the game is officially a draw
@domas1507: Limerick beat Cork on the day officially or otherwise. The last two meetings between the two sides before today – one draw and one Limerick victory. You don’t draw your way into an All Ireland Final.
@Padraig McElligott: we all know ye won so congratulations again and again and again
@Padraig McElligott: So they weren’t going for their 5th victory on the bounce. Thanks for clearing that up.
Should have been thr result in last year’s semi-final…
@Forfar So Good: Hmmm juicy lemons….
@Colm O’Sullivan: Thought i might get someone to bite:-)
@Forfar So Good: aaaaw
Cork deserved the win. They have found a centre back in Tim O’Mahony. He was my man of the match. Limerick could never get into their stride like in previous weeks, and when they did they gifted Cork their second goal. The two new boys, Dooley for Cork and O’Brien for Limerick both performed well. It’s the kickstart that Cork needed and a kick up the backside that Limerick will eventually welcome.
@Colm O’Sullivan: thats probably the best thing said about the game. Fair play
Unbelievable win for Cork against the greatest team to ever play the game and shoe ins for the all Ireland.
Hopefully results like this will help the game develop in developing hurling counties like Cork etc
@damien o brien: :-))))))
@damien o brien: lol
@damien o brien: such unwarranted bitterness and condescension. Well done Cork the better team won today.
There will be absolutely nothing in it if these teams were to meet in the championship.
Will do Limerick no harm at all to taste defeat
@Alan Fitzgerald: Ah jaysus Alan go out and get a bit of air I’d say..
That limerick fella isn’t saying much now!!!!
Great win for Cork, who could have had a few more goals. Held on when it looked for all the money Limerick were going to go through them.
That’s a great result for Cork, winning away to the All-Ireland champions.
Sluggish display from Limerick, did well to draw it back level but missed chances proved costly in the end.
On to Ennis next week now.
So we have a championship after all !! This time last week they were handing Liam to Limerick ….
@David O’Neill: Not really. Prior to Limerick beating Kilkenny and to a lesser degree Tipp, the media have spent pre season telling everyone how Limerick will struggle to get out of Munster let alone mount a title challenge again. Only when they beat Kilkenny did the media have to eat their words and back peddle somewhat to give this team some credit. Any Limerick fan will tell you that they’ll treat every game in Munster and on like a cup final, however we’re tired of being brandished nothing more than a team that “gives 100% commitment”, though plenty of that it’s high time they recognise the skill levels of our hurlers.
@No: Limerick are a serious team and as you say Munster is a minefield but how these journalists make predictions like that in February is beyond me !!! What i will say is 6 or 7 teams will feel they can win it this year !!
@No: You’re a bit over the top there. Nobody is brandishing Limerick like you say. Everyone recognises their skill levels. But they’re starting with a clean slate this year. They’ve a 60% chance of coming out of Munster. No more nor no less than the other 4 counties.
Should’ve been a draw. I don’t begrudge cork there win . But the ref gave limerick a free in 5 from the end …. he hadn’t seen the hand pass to Cian Lynch who was thundering down on the goals with only the keeper to beat ….and he knows he made a mistake (an should have played the advantage) because he wrapped both hands around his head!!
Big scalp for Cork hurlers today.
@Anyone But Cork: actually was cheers. Considering the last few results. Thanks for your support. ; )
Martin Brennan won’t know what to do with himself now tonight with that win!!
Cork needed that big time and that defeat could well be a blessing in disguise for Limerick considering the way they have been built up in the last couple of weeks. Limerick have proved they can win an All-Ireland and will be there or thereabouts again this year. Hopefully Cork improve from last year but still think we are a couple of players short.