Cork stay on target for treble

The run of double-digit defeats came to an end but there was still that familiar chasm on the scoreboard between Cork and Down at the final whistle in Croke Park yesterday.

James McCartan has been unable to discover the knack of toppling Conor Counihan’s men since the 2010 All-Ireland final and, for the fourth time in 13 months, experienced that chastening feeling of defeat against Cork.

“We find it very difficult to beat them,” reflected McCartan.