THERE were pros and cons for Dublin as they outlasted Cork last night at Croke Park.
But the Con they will need in order to mount an All-Ireland title challenge was sitting in the stand.
Dubs boss Dessie Farrell will be thrilled that his side withstood a serious challenge from the Rebels to book their place in tomorrow morning’s draw.
However, the uncertainty surrounding Con O’Callaghan’s availability for next weekend’s quarter-final is a huge concern.
Having missed the defeat to Armagh, normal service seemed to resume for the Dublin captain as he kicked 0-5 from play in last weekend’s win over Derry.
His shock absence gave Cork a real shot in the arm before throw-in.
And just like the Dublin hurlers did in the curtain raiser, John Cleary’s men very nearly pulled off the upset.
Cork are a team I have seen plenty of this year. They are capable of blowing hot and cold. But you have to hand it to them for the way they took the game to Dublin.
Farrell’s team were under massive pressure and Brian Howard’s goal was a big turning point because the Dubs had played second fiddle to Cork for long periods.
Dublin are not the force they once were — that much is clear. With O’Callaghan in the team, they remain contenders nonetheless.
Without him, their attacking threat is diminished significantly.
Regardless of who they are paired with in the last eight, Dublin’s chances of advancing will lessen considerably if the three-time All-Star is not fit to play a part.
In Killarney, David Clifford demonstrated the importance of being able to call upon a top-class forward. He was on fire as Kerry bounced back from their defeat to Meath.
Clifford notched three goals and would have had a couple more, were it not Liam Brady between the Cavan posts. The two-time Footballer of the Year was a joy to watch, as he so often is.
The problem for Kerry as their attention turns to Croke Park is that they remain heavily dependent on Clifford for scores.
Seán O’Shea’s return was a boost. Jack O’Connor will also be delighted that Paudie Clifford was fit enough for a cameo off the bench. But his younger brother will need more help from his supporting cast if Kerry are to keep Sam Maguire in their sights.
A relatively comprehensive win for the Kingdom was the result we all expected.
Their start was impressive and the writing seemed to be on the wall for Cavan when the four-point deficit they faced early on was compounded by the black-carding of Niall Carolan.
To the Breffni’s credit, they made a game of it in the second half after Kerry looked set to pull away.
But Raymond Galligan’s team were also too reliant on Paddy Lynch, who was their only starting forward to score.
This was a game in which Kerry were on a hiding to nothing, so they will be pleased to have it out of the way.
Next weekend is when we will find out what they are truly made of.
