Battle-hardened Rebels’ know-how should win the day

IT was refreshing to hear the honesty of Roscommon selector Declan Hoare who admitted that the Connacht champions were the team each of the four qualifier survivors wanted this weekend.

It’s an accurate viewpoint and given the draining exertions of last Saturday in the Gaelic Grounds, Cork will have been glad to sidestep Tyrone and Kerry here.

Roscommon are unquestionably in bonus territory after claiming a splendid provincial crown. That game showcased the strong points of this team – the disciplined defending of Seanie McDermott and Peter Domican, Michael Finneran’s strength around the middle, the constant energy from half-forwards David Keenan and Cathal Cregg, and the deadball magnificence of Donie Shine.