It wasn’t a shock but still there was a twinge of sadness when the news broke yesterday morning.

Our five-time All-Ireland-winning columnist expects Mickey Harte’s defensive set-up to frustrate Dublin.

What has become of Kerry’s middle-aged? That’s been the standout quandary of the Super 8.

Maybe everyone jumped a couple of steps too far ahead. Within Kerry certainly and even beyond. Football needs somebody to give Dublin a game. And especially with Mayo gone early, Kerry were anointed, in most places, as this year’s contenders.

Don’t judge me. If I’m on trial for soaking up the splendours of the south of France this week, looking out at the mile-high yachts of Roman Abramovich and the like, I am guilty as charged, writes Colm Cooper. 

WHO’D have thought the entire GAA grassroot community would be so vexed about Kildare retaining home advantage for this evening’s All-Ireland SFC qualifier with Mayo?

Cork are 7/2 with the bookies but I wouldn’t back them. I was never involved with Kerry in a Munster final in Páirc Ui Chaoimh where Cork were that friendless in the market. The message is clear: Being competitive and getting within two or three points of Kerry represents progress.

Somewhere, somehow Cork is haemorrhaging, or squandering, an abundance of football talent, writes Colm Cooper. 

Colm Cooper thought Croke Park would suit Nemo just fine. But there was lead in the boots from the off.