Patrick Kelly: Promotion to Division 1 is more important for Cork than quarter-final spot

BACK IN THE MIX: Brian Hurley of Cork who has been named amongst the subs for the game with Louth. Pic:  Matt Browne/Sportsfile

Of the 12 teams left in the hunt for Sam Maguire only two have not tasted Division One League football either this season or last; Cork and Louth. Hence, both sides were relatively happy to be paired for the preliminary quarter-final as they've gotten the upper hand on each other to ensure belief won’t be lacking for either side.

In bigger picture terms, the most valuable progress for this Cork team will be in gaining promotion from Division Two next season. In my opinion, it is more important than making a third quarter final in a row as Cork look to become a top eight team for the first time in almost a decade. The fact that Monaghan and Roscommon are the two demoted teams joining Division Two makes it an opportunity that Cork cannot afford to let pass in 2025.