Cork can keep up the momentum

THERE was always the strong possibility that Cork would get this far, having progressed through the qualifier route twice in recent years and similarly come through as Munster champions in 2006.

Given the circumstances of their remarkable victory in Páirc Uí Chaoimh five weeks ago, they have a lot to live up to in Croke Park tomorrow and if — as seems likely — they renew their rivalry with Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final in two weeks time, a much more serious test awaits them.

Potentially, they are good enough to be included among the top five, but in real terms, they are behind both Kerry and Dublin in the sense of having the overall strength and the consistency to survive the toughest challenges.