What’s better than All-Ireland success? ...

...Back-to-back titles. And Cork’s footballers have an opportunity to begin a period of dominance this season and create a legacy of their own, says their former attacker

AT THE start of 2010, Pádraig Harrington gave a very interesting bit of advice to the Cork footballers — never focus on winning an All-Ireland. Focusing on the achievement of this one goal can be limiting. Only ever think and talk in terms of winning All-Irelands. Without aspirational goals, you will be left rudderless if and when the realistic ones are achieved — surely this advice is now more relevant than ever.

In 2010, the All-Ireland was finally achieved. At times, that long term goal threatened to move further away rather than closer. Limerick, Dublin, Down all endangered Cork’s dream. Each time, Cork rallied and each time they reined it back in. The victory was all the more deserved for it, but no one will argue that the most prominent feeling last year was relief, and not elation. Vindication was not what they were looking for. Accomplishment would be a more accurate description.