Éamonn Fitzmaurice: Kerry evolution is clear as same old Cork failings rush to surface

The Kerry defence deserve massive credit for Sunday's win. In the second half they limited Cork to 1-2. While Cork did themselves no favours, the Kerry backs stood out with a disciplined and cohesive performance.

FAMILIAR FEELING: Kerry manager Jack O'Connor, left, and Cork manager John Cleary shake hands after the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Kerry and Cork at Fitzgerald Stadium in Killarney, Kerry. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The more things change the more they stay the same. Munster Final day in Killarney brought colourful and expectant masses, with the red and white clad gang travelling with more assurance than usual. The mountains in the near distance looked majestic. David Clifford did what David Clifford does. The Cork team came with confidence, huffed and puffed and put it up to Kerry but ultimately the visitors fell short with some of their old failings coming to the surface. Meanwhile it was business as usual for the home side as they move inexorably on to their blockbuster encounter with Donegal in a fortnight.

The list of absentees for the All-Ireland champions was well documented in the lead-up to the game. As happened throughout the championship last season, panellists who might not otherwise have seen game time got a go and came through all the better for it. It is one thing showing well in training, it is another thing entirely doing it under pressure on the big days.