The journey back to Croke Park for Robert Downey

The Glen Rovers clubman was an unused substitute during Cork’s Munster semi-final defeat to Limerick, but found himself parachuted into full-back for the subsequent sink-or-swim qualifier against Clare

STANDING TALL: Rob Downey might not have started the summer as Cork’s frontline full-back but he’s never taken a backward step since being handed the jersey by Kieran Kingston and the Cork management team. Picture: Tommy Dickson, Inpho

Robert Downey returns to Croke Park tomorrow for his second All-Ireland final appearance at GAA HQ. His first — the minor final of 2017 — saw him wear number 14 on his back. Four years on, the number three shirt he now occupies.

All told, it’s been quite the journey back the field for the 21-year-old, with those who have had a front-row view not the least bit surprised at how well Downey has adapted to his new posting in recent weeks.