We have always been convinced in Cork of our innate superiority. Like gravity and the knowledge that Oasis will never again release a decent record, we regard our greatness as integral to the natural order.
In sport, especially, Cork’s divine right to success is taken for granted on Leeside. Often the natural order begs to differ, particularly when it’s wearing the colours of Kerry (boo, hiss – yes, it’s all right to join in at home).
This year, however, things turned out a little differently, as Cork teams notched up titles apparently without effort. September saw the hurling team, if not romp, then certainly stroll to victory against a Galway side that seemed happy just to be in Croker.
More than the victory itself, achieving two All-Irelands in succession helped bury the myth that the Kilkenny team of the past five years was anything beyond the average. It will also, perhaps, lay to rest the misapprehension among non-hurling people that the Marble County’s forward DJ Carey has a claim to greatness (the difference between Carey and Christy Ring, an acquaintance once told me, is the difference between a technician and a warrior).
Autumn also brought success in camogie – which we are quite used to – and ladies’ football, our first title and hence hugely novel. Of course, we had not long before suffered a spanking from Kerry in the men’s football semi-final. Yet they, in turn, were shot down by Tyrone, so it’s not all grim. Petty? When it comes to the sleibhins across the border, always.
By now, however, Cork City were easing the pain. Wunder-striker Kevin Doyle may have been snatched up by Reading (miraculously coming to the attention of the Ireland international management in the process), but we still had Georgie O’Callaghan and Liam Kearney (the ‘Conna Maradonna’ to you) to adore.
On the last day of the season, and the last day of the Shed, we wrapped up the title against Derry with a cocksure swagger. Next season, while City will be in the Champions League, Kevin Doyle will probably be lining out against Scunthorpe. Who’s really in the big time now?