Carbery Rangers and Valley Rovers remain standing, but the pressure only increases from here

The stifling pressure will hold until they meet again. Not until someone falls does it dissipate.

Daragh Hayes holding off the challenge of Cian O'Keeffe. Picture Denis Boyle

Even on the doorstep of October, the tourists are still pulling up at Béal na Bláth. Airport rentals filled the small parking lot adjacent to the Michael Collins monument.

Down the road to Enniskeane we continued. No ambushes possible here, both Carbery Rangers and Valley Rovers’ subpar form on full display since the final weekend of July.