Final may surpass Sunday drama

Things will only get better. Fear not, Kerry fans — this is not some hollow hushabye as you contemplate your longest stretch without an All-Ireland title since the 11-year famine ended in 1997.

It is instead a prediction that what we saw on Sunday, while majestic, wondrous and seemingly peerless in its brilliance, will be beaten for quality on All-Ireland final Sunday.

It might appear the hand is being put out to be slapped. The genius of Colm Cooper will be absent. So too the drive of the Ó Sé brothers and the industry of Donnchadh Walsh.