Taking a direct hit

I HAD a sneaky feeling beforehand that Cork might win this All-Ireland SHC qualifier, and I still held that belief after 20 minutes.

Then suddenly everything changed. What sparked it? Well, Cork were architects of their own downfall.

Their full-forward line was on fire, Paudie O’Sullivan especially, crying out for ball. Instead of providing them with quality possession, Cork were like a circus act, tipping, tapping, playing with the ball when it cried out for them to direct.