Growing evidence this Kerry crop merit the hype
On that basis, tonight's canter at Pairc Ui Rinn will do little to head off the fanciful notions that they are money in the bank when it comes to maintaining the county's pre-eminence at the head of football affairs.
However, the available evidence is unquestionably compelling.
Irrespective of whether the reigning provincial champions Cork were below par and paid too much heed to Kerry's reputation, the visitors to Pairc Ui Rinn were sublime and ruthless, if such a cocktail exists.
The handling on a dirty night, the accuracy of the bouncing kick-pass and the movement of the forward line all had the frank of a well-drilled side aware of each of its constituent parts.
There was no surprise in the faultless performance of Briain O Beaglaoich, Sean O'Shea or Killian Spillane, but the likes of midfielder and man of the match Andrew Barry, and the productive output of full forward Matthew O'Sullivan will enlighten more observer to the well of talent emerging in the south west.
Little did the Cork skipper Sean O'Donoghue think that his friends' pre-match tease regarding 'damage limitation' would be so painfully realised in front of 3,861 spectators.
Few of Kerry's 26 Munster titles has been as emphatic as this one - something no one could have predicted when Cork landed three points on the spin by the 14th minute to make it a one-point game (0-3 to 0-4). However, even at that juncture, Kerry were a metre ahead in mind and movement and the facility with which they necklaced passes to tee up Matthew O'Sullivan for the opening goal in the 17th minute was a reliable portent of what would follow.
Jack O'Connor's charges could have been forgiven for bouts of sloppiness in the second period, but O'Connor himself wouldn't have been doling out the pardons.
The Kingdom has waited 20 years to defeat Cork at this grade on Rebel soil, and memories of the 2011 drubbing Cork handed Kerry at this same ground clearly weren't put to bed.
Conor Geaney, Micheal Burns, Barry O'Sullivan and Jordan Kiely were all introduced in the second period, none of which were wearing slippers and an evening coat. Geaney plundered 1-2 and Barry Dan's first involvement was to soar spectacularly to claim midfield possession.
The battle for semi-final places, against either Galway or Sligo, won't be confined to the forwards and midfield, though the tussles will be keenest in those sectors. The interesting part for O'Connor and his management is that the likes of Gavin White and both Tom O'Sullivans had little opportunity to show their wares tonight.
The difference this season - and the reason so many Kerry folk are excited at these prospects - is that there is senior material in every line.
From Jason Foley to Tom Leo O'Sullivan, from Brian O Beaglaoich to White, from Briain O'Seanachain to Sean O'Shea, it is an Under 21 group that more will be heard of, irrespective of whether they drive on now and win an All-Ireland for O'Connor and his management team.
If full forward Matthew O'Sullivan is the only one of tonight's starting team without an All-Ireland medal, it is the only area he is deficient. The Bally-Foilmore lad is game and quick, brave and smart and represents a serious focal point for a jet-heeled attack. The likes of Conor Geaney and Jordan Kiely, meanwhile, continue to push to break into the starting side.
Cork started minus midfielder Kevin Flahive, who would have provided strong running and defensive nous, and Stephen Sherlock, who is an out and out scorer, but Sean Hayes will accept his side were completely outgunned tonight. No one can say Cork were blind-sided - this Kerry group has been well advertised, and their management team has been targeting an Under 21 All-Ireland from some way back.
Nothing tonight suggested they will fall short for the want of talent.
