Chris Cummey expects Cork to seriously challenge for the All-Ireland thanks to having a more settled defence to go with their fearsome attack.

Cork retained their Munster title after beating Clare at Semple Stadium last weekend and have an All-Ireland semi-final to look forward to in the coming weeks.

The Rebels enjoyed an unbeaten record in the Munster championship but are likely to face stiff competition from Galway and Kilkenny for the sport’s top prize in August.

And Cummey is looking forward to the prospect of John Meyler’s side coping with the different threats offered by the Tribesmen and the Cats.

“They’re only two games away from winning an All-Ireland, of course they have to be contenders,” Cummey said on the Hurling Show.

“When you watch Cork play it’s a shootout generally. Their forwards are class and they are so accurate in front of goal.

“It will be interesting if they do play Kilkenny or Galway because of their contrast in styles and Kilkenny and Galway are so physical.

“Will they make it a shootout or will they just physically dominate them?  But their forwards are so good and Sean O’Donoghue and Colm Spillane have been great finds for them.

“They seem to have a more settled defence which is excellent because they always have those forwards who are going to score.”

James Hopper