Cork v Kerry: The stronger the rivalry, the greater the respect

The idea to erect a statue of Kerry hero John Egan may have culminated with an unveiling in his native Sneem, but it originated in his adopted hometown of Cork.

Photo: Jimmy Deenihan, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Mick O’Dwyer and Niall Cahalane at the unveiling of the John Egan memorial statue. Photo by: Michelle Cooper Galvin

So, when the fundraising efforts accelerated with a golf classic last April, it was only fitting for the legends of the two counties to compete for the John Egan Memorial Cup. For all the bruising contests on the field – or indeed the fairways – the rivalry that burned so bright for more than a decade of their lives has left lasting friendships.