Down manager James McCartan believes that Cork are in "a great position" going into the All Ireland football final against his side on Sunday week even though they have been panned by the pundits for a series of unconvincing performances of late.
TEN weeks ago, Eamonn O'Brien was taking the congratulations of delighted Meath supporters who were dreaming giddy thoughts of Croke Park in September while, at the same time, James McCartan was map-reading qualifier terrain hoping to avoid the heavier ambushes.
IT'S been 14 years since Galway last won the title but manager Noel Finn says his charges will be taking a very simple approach to Sunday's Gala All-Ireland senior final against Wexford.
Tipperary's All-Ireland win over Kilkenny may have opened doors for other counties hoping to make the breakthrough, but it won't coax Dan Shanahan out of retirement.
