Eimear Ryan: Cork reminded us there will be good days again for us all

You have to talk yourself into playing well. Conjure up past glories, relive them in your mind’s eye. Tell yourself that you — yes, you — have the potential to turn a game

Cork's Robert Downey and team-mate Seán O'Leary Hayes celebrate alongside a dejected TJ Reid of Kilkenny after the All-Ireland semi-final on Sunday. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

RTÉ couldn’t have planned the day’s programming better. After Cork’s barn-storming 90-minute wrestle with Kilkenny on Sunday afternoon, they aired the brilliant Christy Ring: Man and Ball documentary directly after. It was enough to make even a blow-in like me feel ready to die for the blood and bandage.

Throw in an early start to watch Kellie Harrington’s victorious bout, and I just about expired from sporting glory.