Alan O’Connor enjoys Cork return as Kerry loom on horizon

For a long time on Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn, it was 2010 all over again — the Cork footballers had a huge physical presence in the middle of the field, dictating the terms of engagement against Clare in the Munster SFC semi-final, and the whole team benefited as a result.

Alan O’Connor was prominent for the Rebels on his first championship start since retiring two seasons ago, and the midfielder outlined the circumstances of his return to inter-county football after the game.

“I got a phonecall,” said the big man from St Colum’s. “I suppose it’s always in the back of your mind, the big days down in Killarney, the big days in Croke Park.