In his pre-match interview with RTÉ Cork camogie manager Paudie Murray appeared to confirm that Gemma O'Connor would not be starting the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny.
O'Connor is one of Cork's best defenders and most influential players. She sustained a knee injury during her side's semi-final win against Galway.
During the week, when Cork announced their team for the decider, they also released a statement saying despite the best efforts of their medical team, the seven-time All-Ireland winner would not be available for the game.
Speaking to RTÉ's John Kenny before the throw-in game, Murray said that O'Connor would not start. There were rumours in the build-up to the match that she would line-up in the Cork starting XV.
John Kenny: Gemma O'Connor, will she, won't she play?
Paudie Murray: Well, Gemma will tog out but we'll see how things go. You never know, we might be up three goals up at the end and she might get her run out. We'll just see how the warm up goes.
John Kenny: She's not starting, no?
Paudie Murray: No.
Despite Murray say that just minutes earlier, O'Connor did indeed start the game, her knee well strapped up.
Gemma O'Connor starts for @CorkCamogie, wing forward picking up Denise Gaule #kkvcork
— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) September 10, 2017
Kilkenny manager Ann Downey - talking to John Kenny shortly after he spoke to Murray - was not being fooled by the Cork bluff.
To be quite honest, I think that Gemma will play today. We've been gearing our training towards Gemma being on the field. She's a great warrior, unless she's after losing a leg, it's the only reason that Gemma wouldn't play. We fully expect to see her there today.
You really have to wonder how much is gained by such a ploy from the Cork management.
Cork's Paudie Murray and Kilkenny's Ann Downey thoughts before the All-Ireland senior camogie final. LIVE: https://t.co/pwd9kPFugr pic.twitter.com/rpumPb5Fnc
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) September 10, 2017
