This opportunity

Apart from the toll the two draining Ulster semi-final battles with Donegal took physically, Monaghan’s defeat was bound to impact adversely on the players mentally, as to fully recover from a loss in a high-stakes championship match in just six days is no small order.

No doubt, it was part of the reason why Cork, after losing to Kerry in a Munster final replay, were so flat when they took on Kildare the following week-end last year

Leaving all that aside, Longford were full value for their victory over Monaghan, and they will relish the opportunity to follow up with another big performance, especially on their home patch in Pearse Park.

They are in bonus territory now, they will have nothing to lose against Cork, and it can be taken for granted they will come out with all guns blazing on Saturday.

In front of a hostile crowd, it’s going to be a severe test of Cork’s character more than anything else, but it’s probably just what the doctor ordered, because doubts about their mental strength have repeatedly surfaced over the past twelve months.

This is an ideal opportunity for the players to show their mettle, and should they deliver the goods against Longford, it could well galvanise the team going forward where they can expect to come up against more accomplished opposition.

The reality is that Longford are a Division 3 league side, they were well beaten by Offaly, another Division 3 side, in the Leinster championship this year, and their subsequent victories over Down – who failed to win a game in either league or championship this year – and fatigue-strapped Monaghan hardly suggest they have made a meteoric rise up the rankings over the past few months.

Cork, for all their inconsistency and below-par performances this season, should have their measure, but it can be safely said that Longford, unlike listless Limerick last Saturday, will enter the fray brimming with desire, convinced they are in with a genuine chance of pulling off another upset.

Verdict: Cork