MCCARTHY: CORK WILL ONLY DESERVE TO END ALL-IRELAND WAIT IF THEY GET OVER THE LINE

JUSTIN McCarthy says 'soft talk' about deserving an All-Ireland won't get Cork anywhere.

- By KARL O'KANE

The Rebels are reeling after last weekend's 16 point Munster Round Robin hammering by Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds.

It was only their second defeat of the year across 10 games, but it leaves the Leesiders requiring at least a draw in tomorrow's final round encounter with Waterford at Pairc Ui Chaoimh to avoid a shock Championship exit.

A draw will secure Cork an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final place, while a win will send them into a Munster Final against Limerick.

Former Cork and Waterford manager McCarthy, who led both counties to Munster titles and Cork to an All-Ireland, says 'nice talk' doesn't cut it but he feels that Pat Ryan's side “won't be beaten at home" this weekend.

“You have (Cork) followers who would love to see them win after 20 years,” said McCarthy.

“People say, ‘Well, they deserve an All-Ireland.’ You only deserve it if you're good enough, whether you like it or not. All the soft talk and all the nice talk, that won't get you anywhere.

“They'll have to throw caution to the wind in some way (tomorrow), and have to go for broke. Not to be dwelling too much on what happened last weekend and get up and get on with it. Show the public in Cork that they are still contenders.”

Waterford have to win to keep their season going, while we'll learn more this weekend about what effect the Limerick pummelling has had on League champions Cork.