The big interview with Seanie McGrath: The epitome of Corkness

Clare have been a constant reference point in Seanie McGrath’s adult life. Twenty years ago he made his championship debut, trash-talking with Anthony Daly on his way to five points. In 1999, the last Munster final between the two counties, he set up the winning goal. Then he was by Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s side as a selector in a series of All-Ireland finals against the Banner in 2013. He even married a girl from Clare. But all the while, he’s remained pure Cork.

IT would be understandable, given how challenging the last season as part of the previous Cork management team was, if Seanie McGrath was somewhat coy in his praise for how well Kieran Kingston’s side is motoring — but it wouldn’t be Seanie McGrath. To see them play the way that they are brings a smile to his face and to see them playing with a smile on their own is something he welcomes even more.

“I was so delighted with Cork in the two games so far in how they basically went for broke,” he says upon meeting you in the city’s Silver Springs Hotel. “I think Cork have got the Corkness back into their play. Just playing with abandon, the chest out, and incredible skill levels.”