Enda McEvoy: There are valid reasons to opt for Clare. So it's Cork by two

The possibility exists that Cork, who landed 1-22 from play against Limerick - have played their All Ireland final. The alternative scenario is that they’ll come on six lengths for the run

CORK BY TWO: Cork manager Pat Ryan and Patrick Horgan celebrates after the game. Pic Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Twenty years ago in Menorca, a fortnight before the All-Ireland final, a family from Dublin with young children (mother Galway, father Kilkenny) got friendly with a family from Cork with offspring of similar vintage (mother Cork, father Cork).

Noreside Dad was reasonably confident about the outcome at Croke Park on September 12th, even if Brian Cody’s team had been spluttering all summer. Leeside Dad, being Leeside Dad, was super-confident about the outcome at Croke Park on September 12th. Cork had momentum, freshness, Brian Corcoran back as tribal elder and a following crimson tide. He wouldn’t hear of defeat and he was right.