Cork and Kerry at different stages of their journey

This evening at 6:00pm, Cork and Kerry battle it out for a place in the Munster Final.

On the surface, the reward of getting to a Munster final may well be the focus for this game. However, there is more at stake than that for both counties for different reasons.

Both teams are at different stages of their journey.

Kerry were brilliant during the Allianz League. Putting up big scores in every game. Nothing new there. The attacking threat from this Kerry team has never been in doubt. Defensively there has been improvements. Jack O'Connor’s team selection and tweaks to defensive roles and responsibilities have made them a tough team to score goals against. Paddy Tally’s coaching influence is evident.

The Allianz League and Munster Championship are merely stepping stones for this group.

With the removal of Super 8s, introduction of the Tailteann Cup and reduction in teams in qualifiers, there are less games in the All-Ireland Championship. Win four games in 11 weeks and Kerry are in an All-Ireland final.

Simply winning games in Munster en route to an All-Ireland final isn’t enough. Kerry need to keep refining and developing their game plan. They need to be challenged. They need games where their defensive system is stretched and where their attacking flair is suffocated.

The more they are challenged, the more obstacles that are put in their way, the more they will learn. After beating Cork by 22 points last year, I’m not sure how much they will be challenged this evening.

Over the last number of years, we have seen some terrific periods of play and performances from Kerry but they have been inconsistent. With all the talent at their disposal what silverware do have they to show?

Of the present squad, only Paul Murphy, Stephen