WITH eight minutes to play and Dublin leading by two points, Cork manager Eamon Ryan’s faith began to ebb.

FOR the all-conquering Cork Ladies Footballers, tomorrow’s TG4 All-Ireland SFC final against Monaghan represents, arguably, the most serious challenge they have had to face in recent years.

MARY O’CONNOR was all smiles yesterday, thinking how differently she felt after Cork lost to Wexford in last year’s Gala All-Ireland senior camogie final — and how an injury a week later kept her out of the All-Ireland Ladies Football final and all but finished her playing career.