Young Rebels have point to prove

There are some pretty stark realities facing the Cork minor management team led by Fermoy’s Denis Ring as they start out on yet another Munster championship campaign this evening, taking on Kerry at Páirc Uí Rinn (throw-in 6.15pm).

Prior to 2000, Cork led the All-Ireland role of honour with 17 titles; since 2000, however, Cork have won just one more crown (2001), and have been overtaken by both Kilkenny (20) and Tipperary (19).

Only once before, from 1951 to 1964, has Cork endured such a barren spell, and that period presaged an almost equally barren period on thesenior stage.