ALAN CONNOLLY reckons his team-mates are giving the Cork management nightmares as they chase All-Ireland SHC glory.
After being sidelined with an Achilles injury, Connolly returned as a sub in the win over Galway to seal the Rebels’ place in the Division 1A final.
The Blackrock forward was ‘delighted’ to be back in action for Pat Ryan’s side for the first time since the draw with Limerick seven weeks earlier.
But he admitted: “To get into the first 15 is another issue. There’s a lot of competition.
“The lads starting are deserving of their spot. Then you look at the extended panel and you’ve Robbie O’Flynn, Conor Lehane and Robbie Cotter who are unbelievable players. But it’s probably a nightmare for Pat and them. It’s what you want.”
With O’Flynn, Lehane and Brian Hayes injured, the selection headaches that Cork gaffer Ryan will encounter in the Championship are set to be less severe for the league decider against Tipperary.
Connolly, who bagged a hat-trick in last May’s 4-30 to 1-21 Munster SHC win over Tipp, looks set to start on Sunday at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The 23-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2024 but was unlucky to be overlooked for an All-Star nomination.
But he insisted: “You have to try and do it again and do it better.
“You can never get comfortable, even if you’re nailed down to start because your form drops.”
Cork’s goal threat was notable as they moved to within one win of ending a 27-year wait for league success.
The Leesiders rattled the Clare net six times, before raising four green flags against Galway.
Connolly explained: “We’re not going to score four and six goals in every game and people have to accept that. We’re trying to get more goals.
“We are probably still leaving goals behind us but we’re just getting more clinical.”
Cork’s bid for a first Liam MacCarthy Cup in 20 years will begin away to Clare on April 20.
But Connolly believes a league title would also be significant for Cork.
He said: “It would just be important for the group to have a bit of silverware to drive on.
“When you’re in Cork, there’s always an expectation and that’s a good thing.
“We just need to carry that ourselves and hopefully we can.”