CORK have an early chance to banish some lingering All-Ireland final demons when they face Tipperary in the opening round of the Munster SHC this Sunday (4pm) at Semple Stadium.

Cork fans don’t need reminding that the sides’ last championship meeting in the 2025 All-Ireland final ended in nightmare fashion for the Rebels, who were beaten 3-27 to 1-18 after managing just 0-2 in a dismal second half.

Ben O’Connor’s men did get the better of Tipp in the league in February (0-29 to 0-22), but championship hurling is an entirely different test.

With tricky round-two fixtures looming, a positive start is vital. Cork host league champions Limerick next, while Tipp face a demanding trip to Waterford. In Munster, there are no easy days.

Cork’s league final loss to Limerick (1-27 to 1-21) wasn’t overly damaging in terms of confidence, but defeat in any final still hurts.

That result has installed Limerick as All-Ireland favourites, leaving Cork slightly under the radar. That might suit. Tipperary lost last year’s league final to the Leesiders but went on to win the All-Ireland.

There were positives from the league, including a new free-taker following Patrick Horgan’s retirement, with Alan Connolly stepping up. He finished as Cork’s top scorer with 1-36, while Brian Hayes led from play with 6-9 and will again be central to the attack.

Captain Darragh Fitzgibbon (2-18), newcomer William Buckley (1-13) and Shane Barrett (0-15) also impressed.

One key question ahead of Sunday is the positioning of Ciarán Joyce. He lined out at full-back against Offaly and Limerick, but could be used at half-back.

Cork conceded 16 scorable frees in the league final, many from the half-back line where Joyce’s presence could help.

If Tipperary build momentum, Cork must be able to adapt – something that was lacking in last year’s final. On that day, Cork were exposed defensively as Tipp struck three goals, with John McGrath and Darragh McCarthy causing problems.

Ben O’Connor’s side will be determined to respond, but they must be switched on from the start and get their structure right.