Joe Canning Points Out Two Issues Cork Need To Solve In 2025

A few days removed from their All-Ireland hurling final heartbreak, there is no doubt that Cork will still be reflecting on the nature of their loss to Clare last weekend.

A one-point loss after extra-time is certainly tough to stomach, with the margins between victory and defeat over the course of the 90 or so minutes miniscule at best. Of course, that will also lead to regrets over some aspects of their play on the day.

Cork stormed into an early lead in the final, one they were unable to hold until halftime. Had they done so, they would have been in a very strong position to win the game.

While they will also have some gripes over a few refereeing decisions that went against their way, they will no doubt feel they should have done more to overcome the challenge posed by Clare.

Cork will be hoping that this year's All-Ireland final run is just one of many for this team over the coming years. In saying that, they will need to address some issues in their team if they are to become perennial Liam MacCarthy contenders.

Writing in the Irish Times, Joe Canning pointed out two problems that Cork must solve ahead of the 2025 season.

Cork had an issue with indiscipline early in the championship. They were down to 13 men at one stage against Waterford and had Sean O’Donoghue sent off against Clare a week later...

It is an issue for Cork to address before next year’s championship. Most of their games are great to watch because they turn into shoot-outs.

Cork, though, need better defenders. Someone like Mark Coleman is an absolutely brilliant hurler and he had a big impact on Sunday, but he doesn’t have a defender’s instincts.

Sorting those issues out will certainly make Cork a stronger team.

Having been so close to winning the All-Ireland this year, there is no doubt that they will look to go one better in 2025.