Niall Moran: Direct approach could help Cork find consistency

Niall Moran feels the Cork hurlers should adopt a more direct style as they seek to find the consistency of performance needed to end their wait for a trophy.

On Sunday, the Rebels took a big step towards securing their place in Division 1A next season by beating Waterford 1-21 to 1-19 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh but only after seeing a 10-point lead almost disappear in the final quarter.

"It was tight on the scoreboard but with 15 minutes left it wasn't tight. Cork were well ahead and Waterford were very lethargic," former Limerick star Moran told 2fm's Game On.

"Waterford lost and it puts them under pressure to stay in the top tier for next year.

"Pat Ryan knows he has talent, people in Cork and around the country know it, but being consistent over the course of 70 minutes, let alone over the course of the championship, is what they are striving to achieve.

"When they played the direct ball a bit quicker they were really really good. When they were safe in themselves and went across the pitch they drew trouble on themselves and lost momentum.

"I think they're going to have to be brave as they go forward to try and be consistently competitive, and what Cork people want them to be, successful."

It has been six years since Cork won Munster, 19 since they last lifted Liam MacCarty and 26 since finishing top of the pile in the league.

Can the playing group and management handle the pressure of expectation from the fans of hurling's second most successful county historically?

"It’s a team still trying to find its identity," suggested Moran.

"They need to achieve big wins and even a little bit of silverware. A National League would probably go down a treat. It would be a great starting point.

"Obviously they are craving an All-Ireland, it’s