Patrick Kelly: Not perfect, but when heat was on, Cork stood strong

I was surprised and concerned that  Steven Sherlock wasn't starting but the 1-19 total suggests those fears were unfounded. There is a but... 

POWER RUNNER: Cork's Ian Maguire is pursued by Paul Mathews of Louth at Páirc Tailteann.

Once the Sam Maguire draw was made and the fixtures released, it was evident that Cork’s trip to Navan to face Louth was essentially knockout football. 

This reality, aided by a scorching hot day and a very decent crowd, led to a cracking contest between two evenly matched teams. That Cork showed the quality and nerve to get over the line is a huge vindication of the work being done and should all but guarantee at least a preliminary quarter-final.