Kildare face arguably their biggest challenge under Kieran McGeeney this weekend with an All-Ireland Football quarter-final date with Cork in Croke Park.
The Lilywhites have recovered from a surprise defeat in the Leinster semi-final to reach the last eight and while some had written off their hopes this summer, wins over Limerick and Sligo has given them some confidence ahead of this game.
It could have been all over for Kildare in that match with Limerick as they came from behind to force extra-time and that instilled much-needed belief after that crushing defeat to the Royals.
The off-field issues have finally subsided and last week against Sligo they were barely tested by a pitiful second half performance from the opposition.
It should leave a fresh and hungry Kildare ready to finally to prove they can hack it on this stage.
McGeeney’s admission is that Cork are the team to beat in the competition after they breezed into the quarter-finals.
Following a deserved win over Kerry, Conor Counihan’s men were allowed the luxury of cruising past Clare and then a period of rest while they waited for the qualifier series to iron out.
It may not be an advantage but last year’s defeat to Mayo, after a good run in the backdoor, still lingers for the Rebels.
Exiting at this stage last year hurt. Graham Canty returns to the Cork side and they hold Daniel Goulding in reserve should their forward line not sparkle in Croke Park.
Likewise, goal-shy Kildare have one or two options on the bench but they showed in the opening stages against the Yeatsmen just how clinical they can be, slightly dispelling the notion they cannot kill off teams.
Establishing a six-point lead inside 14 minutes was very encouraging, regardless of how poor Kevin Walsh’s side were in Dr Hyde Park.
McGeeney’s comments leading up to this game sum up what Kildare need to do on Sunday. Cork’s game is clear and they are so good at it that stopping it can be beyond any team in the country.
They will move the ball, utilise Colm O’Neill, Ciaran Sheehan and cause havoc as they pick off scores.
It was so effective against Clare. But they are vulnerable at the other end of the field and they were fortunate against the Banner at times with a shaky backline.
"Sport is no different to anything else in life and you have to believe in yourself first and foremost and that's the fundamental difference between the top teams and the also rans," challenged McGeeney this week in the build-up to the game.
"You hope that these guys believe in themselves, but you're also only a headline away from going in the other direction too."
The belief is they can match Cork’s game and better it and this weekend may be the time they prove it.
Verdict: Kildare
