Talking points from the Cork footballers' opening league tie against Offaly

1. Cork’s newcomers:

Cork boss Ronan McCarthy must have a pain in his jaw from telling all and sundry that the newcomers must be given time. 

And he was proved right as U20 graduates Damien Gore and Cathail O’Mahony were replaced though Paul Ring and Brian Hartnett played the whole match.

2. Páirc Uí Chaoimh pitch:

None of the Cork players were available after the game to talk to the media, apparently whisked away shortly after the final whistle, so we’re none the wiser about the new surface. 

Offaly manager, John Maughan, suggested he should have brought his slippers, not his wellies.

3. Division 3:

It's going to be no stroll for Cork on this evidence despite their overwhelming favourites’ tag, though with a 0-20 to 0-14 victory against the Leinster outfit, at least they've started with on a positive note.