July 20, 2025: Former Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins believes his county has the tactical edge to frustrate Cork’s high-scoring style in the All-Ireland Hurling Final 2025.
Speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast, Cummins dissected Cork’s explosive starts and why Tipp might be the team to shut them down. “Cork’s early goals come from the opening setup,” he said. “With six forwards and six backs at the throw-in, Cork’s three inside forwards drift back to the end line. That leaves a huge gap, and if the ball goes in quickly, it’s instantly a 3-on-3.”
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But Cummins sees Tipp flipping the script. “Tipperary will likely keep two inside, let one come out, and have someone drop back to sweep. That’s not overcrowding, that’s smart play. Dublin didn’t show that hurling IQ—Tipp will.”
He expects sharp reading of the game from players like Ronan Maher, Brian O’Meara, and Alan Connolly, who will anticipate Cork’s approach and adjust quickly.
“If Cork’s forwards are isolated 60 yards from goal, Tipp’s backs will drop deep. Suddenly, Cork are firing under pressure, and Tipp will mop it up.”
And that shift, Cummins says, could change everything: “The crowd will feel it. Tipp will break out cleanly and launch their own attack. That’s what could undo Cork in this final.”