Time to prove a point

SINCE 1999, if you wanted to get an argument going inside Cork hurling, all you had to do was mention two words: Neil Ronan.

Up to the beginning of last year, having been taken off in practically every game he ever started with the county, the debate was whether or not he had the temperament for intercounty championship hurling.

His impact off the bench last year meant it became an argument over whether or not he had the temperament to start, whether he was better held in reserve, straining at the leash until the final quarter. Now, in light of his impressive start against Limerick in the All-Ireland quarter-final, the discussion has been refined even further: has he indeed finally proven himself to a doubting public?