30 steps to heaven

TURNS out they fooled us all. Cork put All-Irelands back to back yesterday, repeating the results of 1986 and 1990 by replicating the Cork style of old.

For the last couple of years, hurling neocons in the deep south have lamented the loss of the direct ball, sacrificed for the new running game. Yesterday Croke Park hosted a revival of that old-time religion, and there was no shortage of believers. Rumours that the Cork full-forward line might not go grey with age waiting for the ball yesterday were circulating on Leeside earlier in the week, and they were proved right.

Exhibit A for the conversion was Ben O'Connor's goal: Diarmuid O'Sullivan attacked the ball and found space in front of the Galway goal with his quick delivery. Ben O'Connor had a lot to do, cutting towards the corner flag as Ollie Canning bore down on him with uncharitable intent, but the Newtownshandrum man's finish was immaculate.