When two giants’ paths crossed

In 1999, captained by Mark Landers, a young Cork team took the hurling world by storm, beating Kilkenny to ensure one of the most unlikely All-Ireland title wins, even in their own long history.

A year later the Cats were back; captained by Willie O’Connor, they walloped Offaly in the All-Ireland final and thus began a run of success unprecedented in the history of the GAA, nine All-Ireland titles in 13 years, seven National League crowns.

This week, Mark and Willie got together with Diarmuid O’Flynn to discuss that era, why Kilkenny went one way, why Cork went another.