Sunday is the first All-Ireland where the respective bainisteoirs are returning managers. It isn't always a good idea, and only works in exceptional circumstances - with change required on all sides

Cork’s All-Ireland meltdown wasn’t bad luck — it was the result of flawed processes, tactical rigidity, and missed moments

Most people or players of Rob Downey’s age aren’t inclined to meet up weekly with old-timers talking about old times. The Cork skipper is not most people or players. Instead of being bored or burdened by his club’s past, he is intrigued and inspired by it. 

The Donegal manager is the greatest one-man band and all-rounder known to man.

The Kingdom impressed as they sealed their return to the championship showpiece. 

This year's All-Ireland hurling final between Cork and Tipperary will be the eighth time that the same two sides have met in both national finals in the one year. In all seven previous repeat pairings, the league winners ended up also being the All-Ireland winners.

You must got back to 2010 for a championship and quarter-final weekend that has felt as remotely as good and uplifting as this year.

It makes sense for most GAA games to be decided on the day. Just not by penalties.

There’s hardly a prior triumvirate in the sport’s long history that can match Clare, Cork and Limerick. 

Since the last straight knockout championship back in 1996, only four teams in either hurling or football have lost a championship game by double figures and still gone on to win either a provincial championship or the All-Ireland itself in the same year.