WHILE the rest of the GAA world had been concentrating on the puzzling volatility of Donegal football after defeat at home to Antrim only a few short weeks ago, John Joe Doherty was in the business of renewal and regeneration.

PERHAPS it is only fitting that Cork footballers are finally getting due recognition for being one of the most consistent and durable championship performers over the last number of years but there is a bothersome reality buried underneath all the hoopla that followed their semi-final demolition of Kerry.

WITH the sterile nature of the 2009 football championship causing enough existential angst to keep the internet chat rooms whispering from here ‘til Christmas, the Sligo football team take their championship bow tomorrow.

GIVEN their pathological distaste for one another and given the nature of the most recent championship clash between Tyrone and Derry, it would come as no great surprise if tomorrow’s Ulster semi-final in Casement Park turns out to be another summer Sunday where we get to utter words like “manly”, “gritty” and “grimly compelling” more often than we would like to.