Kingdom to edge it

IF PROOF were needed that this Cork team is steadily closing the gap on their neighbours across the county bounds, it was provided in the All-Ireland semi-final replay last year, when Colm Cooper’s late goal edged Kerry to victory.

Against that background, tomorrow’s provincial semi-final in the impressively refurbished Fitzgerald Stadium should provide an accurate guide as to the standing of Conor Counihan’s side.

Both team selections are along predictable lines, with Tadhg Kennelly’s choice at midfield for Kerry one of the talking points. Darragh Ó Sé’s exclusion garnered plenty of headlines but while Cork might be glad to see him off the field, he’ll probably play some part.