Rebel weaknesses show

WHILE playing some of their least inspired football of the year on Saturday night, Limerick still managed to push Cork to extra-time: and, despite any discernible change in the pattern therein, they were still able to keep the issue up for debate right to the death.

It was a chilling trip north for Cork. It has been claimed they have strength in depth, but it is scarcely a virtue to have as many players on the bench who can do much the same job as those selected, if that job is not particularly impressive.

If Cork win this All-Ireland, it will not be a triumph for outstanding quality, more a case of honest, hard work managing to prevail. They will care little, of course, because All-Ireland titles are not required to pass through any post-final quality control system.