Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Cork’s key ploy? Force Kerry long

The crowds, the colour, the flags — in particular the colourful variety of Cork flags — always added that bit of romance to this great rivalry 

Liam O'Donovan of Cork in action against Sean O'Shea of Kerry during the Munster SFC final last year. Picture: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Kerry and Cork clashes have always been special occasions as well as massive games. Pre-qualifiers, it dictated the rhythm of the summer for the football folk in each county. Win and the summer road opened out in front of you. A tilt at the All-Ireland consumed a county.

Lose and it was back to the club and at least the county championship should, in theory, be finished a bit earlier in the year.