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AT Croke Park on Saturday afternoon, Colm O'Rourke's presence on the line lent itself to a backwards glance and how football used to be during his time. Especially with Down the opposition to Meath. Plus the godfather of Meath football Seán Boylan down pitchside. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

IN A team held back most of all by its inconsistency, Galway have in Conor Whelan (right) a blessedly reliable talent. He was simply outstanding in the Leinster final loss to Kilkenny, scoring 1-6 from play and at times constituting a one-man resistance movement. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A RETURN to fitness for Martin Keoghan sees him named in the Kilkenny starting team for tomorrow - officially, at least. His status means that Walter Walsh (left) goes back to the dugout. But if Derek Lyng doesn't start the towering Walsh against Clare, he will certainly deploy him at some point, and there is no match-winner able to produce a quicker impact in the modern game. Walsh was just 21 when he was at the centre of one of the great selection calls in the modern game. In the 2012 final replay against Galway, Brian Cody gave Walsh his first game for the seniors. Walsh responded with 1-3, and from that day he's been a firm favourite of the fans. His capacity to score telling goals, often as a substitute, helps. Clare must be ready. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

IT SEEMS almost quaint now to think that an intercounty team on the verge of hurling history would allow an open training session in the build-up to an All-Ireland final. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

HE'S been sited on the half-back line regularly in the past, but this could be an occasion when Kyle Hayes is required to stick to the number on his shirt. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

IT SEEMS almost quaint now to think that an intercounty team on the verge of hurling history would allow an open training session in the build-up to an All-Ireland final. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]