It's 16 years since Cork last won a senior All-Ireland hurling title and while it's early days in assessing the true worth of all the contenders, Dónal Óg Cusack is bullish about the Rebels ending that long wait come August.
Kieran Kingston's side began their Division 1 league campaign with an impressive win over Waterford at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, scoring five goals in the process. With some keys names dropped from the panel and former manager and player Donal O'Grady now involved, there is a sense that Cork mean business in 2021.
Óg Cusack, speaking on Allianz League Sunday, was quite positive on what might transpire for the county in the months ahead.
He was asked by fellow analyst and former Limerick star Shane Dowling as to whether an All-Ireland can be won this year.
"Can Cork win the All-Ireland? I absolutely think they can win the All-Ireland"
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) May 9, 2021
Dónal Óg Cusack states his belief in the capabilities of Kieran Kingston's team
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"Absolutely," was his reply.
"The metric in Cork is Celtic Crosses. That's always the way it has been and that's the way it remains.
"There was a lot to be positive about Cork today. Kieran Kingston was measured afterwards and maybe the scoreline flattered Cork - 28 scores to 27.
"Can they beat anyone on their day? Can they beat Limerick in the first round of the championship? They can.
"The Cork players will have that belief inside themselves. I'd be amazed if they didn't.
"Under Kieran Kingston, Cork are not going to get a more steadier manager. I'd be very positive if I were in the Cork camp.
That said, there is a fair chance that when autumn comes today will seem like a distant memory for a lot of teams."
