Fionn Fitzgerald: 'The younger and the middle part of the group have completely taken over this team'

34-year-old Fionn Fitzgerald, a veteran of eight Munster Club campaigns, takes it as a sign of the team’s good health that the players in their mid-to-late 20s have, without ask, stepped forward and stepped up into those key leadership roles.

STEERING THE SHIP: Micheál Burns of Dr Crokes, 10, celebrates after his side's victory. Picture:  Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

There were 20 minutes on the clock at Mallow when Micheál Burns made for the Crokes sideline during a break in fare. There followed a brief, albeit animated conversation between the half-forward and Pat O’Shea. Burns clearly wanted to make known to his manager some element of play that Crokes needed to immediately correct.

Burns is 27 years old. There are teammates, both starting and rolling off the bench, with several years on him, both for age and experience.