Kernan hails Crokes class

The meeting of the Munster and Ulster senior football champions in Portlaoise brings together the two favourites for the outright title regardless of what happens in the other tie in Longford’s Pearse Park.

But Joe Kernan, who managed Crossmaglen to their first threeAll-Irelands, doesn’t see it that way. He pointed out there will be no cuphanded out this weekend and theplayers, mentors and supporters from Garrycastle and St Brigid’s would no doubt agree with that assessment.

It is five years since the South Armagh side claimed their fourth national title at the Kerry club’sexpense. That was also in Portlaoise and came on the back of a replay win after the sides had drawn 1-9 apiece in the first encounter in Croke Park.