Watch the MFC final between Galway and Derry and the SFC final between Cork and Kerry live on RTÉ Two and RTÉ.ie/sport this Sunday from 12.30pm to 5.35pm. Listen to live commentary on RTÉ Radio 1 from 1.30pm. Live updates on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ Aertel. Watch Up for the Match on RTÉ One on Saturday from 9.55pm
'I don’t know some times how you guys could write off Cork in the semi-final against Meath. Cork were the only team to beat us last year and in all honesty they could have done the same in this year’s Munster final. It is going to be one hell of an All-Ireland final and it would be complete madness for anyone to write off Cork. There is no bigger stage for us to play on than Croke Park.' Kerry forward Colm Cooper believes Cork are not to be written off.
'After losing the two previous semi-finals, it’s marvellous to be finally here. The players were subjected to a lot of negative comment after the two previous rounds, and it was very satisfying to see them answer their critics in the manner that they did against Meath. I was delighted for them – they are the most dedicated bunch I’ve ever come across. We did what we had to do against Louth and Sligo, and then upped it for the Meath game. I was very happy with the performance.' Cork selector John Corcoran praises the county's players for their impressive semi-final display.
'In general all the lads are relaxed. The week before the game it’s all about relaxing. Not thinking about it a whole lot, getting the bodies right. Every fellow is looking forward to it. There’s a good buzz around the place and that’s enjoyable. I suppose we are lucky enough the last couple of years being involved in the final. You learn to probably enjoy these occasions as well.' Kerry captain Declan O'Sullivan says he and his team-mates are in relaxed mood ahead of the final.
'They (Kerry) are the team you gauge yourself against - they have the tradition, the All-Irelands - and while we’ve done well against them in Munster, they’ve been better than us in the All-Ireland. Look at the forwards - Bryan Sheehan started the last day and Mike Frank Russell didn’t, and he’s some player to have to come on. You couldn’t pick a weak spot in that forward line. From my point of view I’d prefer to be an underdog going into a game, but we’ll still be under pressure.' Cork centre-back Ger Spillane insists his side are still under pressure despite facing hot favourites Kerry on Sunday.
'My friend has a brother living in Florida and if I don’t pull my right ear immediately before the ball is thrown in, I won’t be allowed to visit.' Match referee David Coldrick, from Meath, reveals an unusual pre-match requirement demanded of him.
'A final is a final and it doesn’t matter. It’s not like a Munster final - the ’big’ prize is involved here. Obviously we know how each other play, but basically it’s down to how different players react on the day. And on how many fellows you can get playing well.' Kerry's Darragh Ó Sé knows the destination of this year's title will be decided by nothing other than performances on the day.
'As with Limerick (in the hurling final), most neutrals would like to see the underdogs come out on top. The Championship can be cruel and holds no place for sentiment – the Kingdom to win, but only just.' Former Tyrone star Peter Canavan believes Kerry will shade it against their Munster neighbours.
'Of course it will be a sell-out, the tickets will all be gone at our ease. There’s no question about it. I can guarantee you that it will be just as tough to get tickets for the All-Ireland final this year at it would be any other year - regardless of the competing teams. No one says ’no’ to an All-Ireland ticket. There will be a big buzz around the South this week when the pre-match hype really kicks in.' GAA spokesman Fergal McGill denies suggestions that the final will not be a sell-out.
'It’s always a great incentive to beat the reigning champions, so there are lots of reasons Cork would want to win this. So I think it’s possible for Cork to win, but they’ll certainly have to play the game of their lives. They do possess a lot of class, allied to a lot of physique and physical presence.' Tyrone manager Mickey Harte believes Cork have every chance of beating Kerry on Sunday.
'Kieran’s an outstanding player and I think he’s really showing that this year. He’s showing that he’s not just a big target man - you saw him against Dublin and the majority of the ball he won was played in front of him. He’s very comfortable with that, laying it off, and Kerry got scores from that. He’s not just a one-trick pony - he can play it either way. He can win the long ball in or you can play ball in front of him so he can take his own score or lay it off.' Cork defender Graham Canty pays tribute to Kerry 'Star' Kieran Donaghy.
'Kerry have a pretty good defence (Cork have as slightly better one), a more than decent midfield (again, Cork have a better one, except this time slightly does not apply); but up front the Green and Gold skate home. They can call on Gooch, Declan O’Sullivan, Kieran Donaghy (we will see him out the field for sure) and throw in Brosnan, Sheehan and Galvin. Sorry folks, just too much artillery - in fact, three of them could have an off day and they would still win.' Kevin McStay believes Kerry have too much talent in attack to be relieved of their All-Ireland crown.
'Everybody’s different. A psychological focus is an individual thing. If it’s banging the table or the dressing room door before you go out - ten people it helps, 20 others it doesn’t. Ultimately, it comes down to what’s within the group; we have a number of players who are very strong-minded. They have a wealth of experience and can bring different things to the table. And when it comes from within, it can be far more relevant and effective.' Kerry boss Pat O'Shea underlines the strength of character in his squad.
'There is little enough between these old foes, but Cork's hunger, allied to Morgan's tactical nous, may just tip the scales.' RTÉ Publishing's Seamus Leonard goes for a Cork win.
'Declan O’Keeffe was number one and he was a huge influence on me because he was basically the best goalkeeper in Ireland at the time. He was the best ’keeper in Kerry for the years he was on the team and it was a great learning experience to be watching him. You would be so impressed by the professional way that he prepared for games and training and how he looked after himself. I definitely learned a lot from him.' Kerry goalkeeper Diarmuid Murphy pays tribute to the man he succeeded as Kerry No 1.
'Thirteen points (between the two) two years ago, six points last year and two points this year. The Kerry bubble has to burst some time but there is little persuasive evidence to suggest that it may happen this weekend.' Former Kerry star Dara Ó Cinnéide doesn't think Cork have bridged the gap just yet.
'Kerry's greater experience of big match days might be the factor that will see them complete the first two-in-a-row of All-Irelands since Cork did so in 1990.' RTÉ Sport's Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh believes Kerry's greater success on the big stage will see them deny Cork on Sunday.
'When Kerry put their minds to it they can produce that special bit of magic, and surely there's going to be nothing better than the sight of red jerseys on Sunday to concentrate the mind!' The Sunday Game's Michael Lyster sees green and gold ribbons on Sam this Sunday.
