The Tony Considine column: Forwards win you games but ruthless defenders win you All-Irelands

I have seen players falling all over the place with cramp and maybe becoming a small bit disorientated from pure physical exhaustion and frustration, which is not good for any player. I think if the game finishes level the first day, it should go to a replay.

This Cork team are too nice and gentle against a team that hit as hard as Limerick do. You need a few rough edges, and for want of a better word, a few assassins in your team, to match that, particularly in defence. Ball players and skillful players are great to look at, especially ball playing forwards getting some beautiful scores.

Daniel Kearney, Seamus Harnedy, Patrick Horgan and, when the mood takes him, Conor Lehane, can win you matches. In my opinion, good defenders win you championships.
Being nice in an All-Ireland semi-final and playing ‘excuse me’ hurling does not work. You have to get angry about it in a controlled way, and put pressure on your opponent, real pressure at every opportunity, not dirty play or anything like that. And show leadership.
