Where retirement isn’t an option

Seamie Harnedy represents more than Cork on Sunday — he will cast reflected glory on the GAA’s ideal of the smallest club enjoying its greatest day.

SUNDAY’S All-Ireland final has, as always, thrown up some odd statistics. Try this one for size.

There is no St Finbarr’s player starting on the Cork 15 but there is a St Ita’s player. One of the most famous and decorated clubs in Ireland will have a presence on match day with the mercurial JBM in his second coming as manager as well as selector Ger Cunningham and Eoin Keane will be on the panel. But starting 15? Not this time.