Kerry put down Croke Park marker

IN THE way of these GAA things, Killarney’s street corners and snugs were more concerned with the repercussions of defeat more than the rewards of victory.

The long road. Psychological damage. Old wounds reopened.

In fact, Cork’s handicap for defeat to Kerry in an absorbing Munster final may not be an impediment at all — one ride on the Big Dipper is all stands between them and an August quarter-final, for which they’ll arguably be better prepared than their Kingdom conquerors.