Crokes have greater firepower

Here’s the conventional viewpoint: these sides are coming into tomorrow’s Munster final from very different backgrounds. Champions, Dr Crokes are in their third consecutive final, while the Cork champions have ended a nine-year wait at county level and are seeking a first provincial win in 15 years.

Dr Crokes, who had seven points to spare over UCC at this stage last year, have not lost a county or provincial championship match since losing to Nemo Rangers in the 2010-11 decider. There can be only one result.

Really? Here’s an alterative scenario: Crokes are no Finuge. Where North Kerry teams thrive in winter conditions, Crokes are very much a top of the ground outfit. The venue will suit them more than Páirc Uí Rinn or Mallow may have, but they are more vulnerable at this stage of the season than any other part.