Ryan so proud of Rebel spirit levels

Eamonn Ryan’s philosophy is more straightforward than you’d imagine for a manager who has orchestrated nine All-Ireland final victories in 10 years.

“You do your best as much as you can, and hopefully it comes right,” Ryan says, with a smile from ear to ear, before remarking: “It took a while to come right today.”

Cork’s victory, or indeed, their comeback effort, was not built on any tactical masterclass handed down by management; there was no blanket defence employed, no rigid regime. Each player simply put their shoulder to the wheel, exhausting every available avenue of energy and effort until the hooter sounded shortly after quarter past five yesterday evening.