Donegal v Cork: Ballybofey a barometer of Rebels' supporting cast

John Cleary's side get their league campaign up and running with a long trip north without some of their more familiar players.

NEW FACES: Patrick Doyle of Cork tries to save a penalty from Kerry's Seán O’Brien. Picture: INPHO/Natasha Barton

Such is the fleeting relevance of pre-season competition that John Cleary found himself discussing Donegal and not Kerry in the wake of their McGrath Cup final win over the Kingdom.

Donegal, said Cleary, will tell him and his players “where we’re at and where we’re going”. A Ballybofey barometer, if you will.