Donncha determined to be the main man again

THE emphatic nature of their victory and their expansive style of play were similar to the form they had produced in 2009.

Two years ago Cork blazed a trail through the championship before coming up short at the final hurdle whereas last season saw them endure a series of white-knuckle rides before claiming Sam Maguire.

Then last Saturday in Croke Park they cut loose, swatting Down aside by 12 points in their qualifier tie. It was a significant performance and one that stemmed from a sense within the squad that they had failed to do themselves justice three weeks previously in the Munster final.