Do or Die Against The Rebels

IT promises to be a real 'do or die’ test, which could define an entire management era if not the hurling year, for the Galway hurlers when they take on Cork in a 'winner takes all’ All-Ireland qualifier at Semple Stadium, Thurles, on Saturday evening (7 p.m.).A victory over the Rebels, slayers of Galwegian dreams of glory three years ago, would propel the Tribesmen into an eagerly-awaited quarter final showdown with Clare or Wexford, whereas a defeat would come as a huge anti-climax in the wake of the facile victories over Antrim and Laois in the opening rounds.The stakes could not be higher for Ger Loughnane’s men, as they face a Cork side who are wounded after their Munster championship defeat to Tipperary last month – a game in which Tipp brought an end to an 85 year wait for a championship victory down by the Lee.Cork are clearly not firing on full cylinders at the moment, if one is to judge by their laboured 1-17 to 0- 15 victory over Dublin last weekend, but they will also feel that they have nothing to lose against a Galway side who have been installed as favourites by the bookies.The Cork management and players were clearly unhappy with their five point victory over the Dubs and they are also seeking revenge for their 2-22 to 0-24 defeat to Galway in the League semi-final back in early April.Galway totally dominated...