HOME DRAW

A first Munster final since 2021 is one win away for Cork but so too is a home draw in the All-Ireland SFC first round. A new format for 2026, there will be eight opening round games and the eight provincial finalists will play at home. Look at how home advantage benefited the Rebels when they defeated Donegal in 2024. Whether it is Páirc Uí Chaoimh or Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork would fancy themselves if it came to that game, no matter who it is against. In addition, with their promotion from Division 2 comes Division 1 status in 2027. The Leesiders shouldn’t fear anybody but a big advantage to start the All-Ireland series could be the springboard to making this year even more successful.

WHO STARTS AT 14?

With Dara Sheedy out for this game against Tipperary, it gives John Cleary a choice on who to start at full-forward. Brian Hurley would be the obvious option given his experience and impressive cameos after coming on as a sub this year. Conor Corbett, David Buckley and Eoghan McSweeney might be other candidates. Corbett and Buckley are young players hoping to get a chance and with Cork heavy favourites, this could be the opportunity to experiment. Another option is the man who replaced Sheedy during their win over Limerick, Conor Cahalane – albeit the Castlehaven man might consider himself as a midfielder. An interesting decision for Cleary to make.

NO MORE FADE-OUTS

The figures don’t lie. Cork’s second-half performances have been seen as a concern for the start of 2026. In nine competitive games, the Rebels have been outscored in eight of their second periods. Yes, they have only lost two games overall this year, but John Cleary won’t want this habit to continue. Especially when higher level opposition, such as potentially Kerry, are coming down the line. It is expected Cork will get over the line against a Tipperary side who are playing in Division 4, even if it is away in Thurles. What Cleary’s side will want to do if they have a sizable half-time lead is to push on and not take the foot off the accelerator.

GOALKEEPER DECISION

While Micheal Aodh Martin started and did well at times against Limerick, that hasn’t put the starting goalkeeper argument to bed. Patrick Doyle began Cork’s last three league games and didn’t have his best day on the kick-outs against Meath. 

Restarts are a particular problem, with Cork struggling with the aerial battle. Whatever the choice of netminder, though, John Cleary has to stick with one and go with it. It’s not an ideal situation when you are nearly in May and still haven’t got a nailed-on number one. Again, this should be a comfortable win over Tipperary so it is a great opportunity to give one of the goalkeepers confidence before the tougher games to come later in the championship.

2020 LINGERING

Tipperary have been a Division 4 team since 2024, granted. However, the last championship meeting with Tipp for Cork ended with the Premier ending an 85-year wait for a Munster senior football title with a 0-17 to 0-14 final victory. Cork were massive favourites in that game too after beating Kerry in the semi-final. Could lightning strike again? Being honest, probably not – but it does indicate a warning if Cork aren’t at it from the off. Tipp still possess players such as Steven O’Brien and Sean O’Connor and will offer a threat. Having said that, since that historic win, Tipp have only beaten Waterford in the Munster championship. A Tipperary win would be a bigger shock than 2020, but we can’t rule it out.