Munster SFC Final/Kerry v Cork:Here's a worrying statistic for Kerry people ahead of tomorrow's game in Killarney: Kerry have not won a Munster final at Fitzgerald Stadium since 1986.
Of greater concern is the trickle of success at underage level in recent times. In worrying contrast to Cork, Kerry have not featured at under-21 level for four years. Cork are the All-Ireland champions. There has been no minor All-Ireland in Kerry since 1994, Clare putting paid to that aspiration this season.
This is too long a drought for Kerry football and it's beginning to hurt senior development in the county.
Granted, Padraig Reidy and Killian Young have broken into the Kerry defence this year. They are both decent footballers with plenty of pace, but we'll know more about their temperament tomorrow evening.
There is no greater acid test for a Kerry footballer than playing Cork in Killarney in a Munster final. And that includes the Croke Park experience.
The two rookies showed well against Waterford in Dungarvan but that was a world away from the challenge coming next. That they are attempting to fill, albeit indirectly, the shoes of two great servants of the Kingdom in Séamus Moynihan and Mike McCarthy heaps further pressure on their young shoulders.
Kerry's defensive spine looks off kilter. Tom Sullivan has moved into McCarthy's vacant full-back role but he is an out-and-out man-marking corner back. Cork's answer to Kieran Donaghy, Michael Cussen, will be bearing down upon him tomorrow.
Aidan O'Mahony has moved to centre back but he has earned a reputation for launching attacks from wing forward.
The other interesting selection is Micheál Quirke alongside Darragh Ó Sé. Micheál is a big man - six-foot-six and 17 stone - though I remember when he was 20 stone - and it is the norm for him to take 15 or 16 clean balls in a club game. He is also a superb basketballer.
Cork will play a high-tempo running game, starting at half back. That won't suit Micheál's style. Derek Kavanagh will look to run at him, and if this proves successful Ó Sé will be forced into a more defensive covering role. At 32, Darragh doesn't need the additional duties.
Despite horsing Nicholas Murphy out of it in last year's All-Ireland semi-final, Darragh will have enough problems of his own. Murphy is one of the few midfielders capable of holding pace with Darragh.
If a helter-skelter war of attrition erupts don't be surprised to see the more athletic Tommy Griffin thrown into the fray.
Cork will stay loyal to their running game but they have evolved enough to realise an All-Ireland is not attainable by relying entirely on James Masters to get the crucial scores.
Enter Cussen to the championship fray. Just as Donaghy brings Mike Frank and the Gooch into play, Cussen's strength at full forward will be employed to win primary possession that can create opportunities for Masters, Derek O'Connor and Fintan Goold (who had an excellent under-21 campaign).
Although inferior to Kerry's six forwards, Cork now possess a greater scoring spread. They'll need it, because Marc Ó Sé will be glued to Masters. Tom Sullivan will mark Cussen from the front so any low ball into the danger zone will be cleared. They may opt for the diagonal ball Donaghy thrives on.
Up the other end, if any full back in the country can tame Donaghy it's Graham Canty. He has the size, pace and experience for the job. Kieran is just back from injury and was out of sorts against Waterford. This battle will be crucial to the outcome.
Another hugely important duel is that between Noel O'Leary and Paul Galvin, two talented yet volatile players. The first to blink, and pick up a yellow card, may swing the tide.
Considering the spotlight is on discipline right now, and given what went on in last year's drawn game, keeping the head will be vital here.
There is also additional pressure on Pat O'Shea to deliver a Munster title in his home town. Otherwise the Kerry support could turn abruptly.
It doesn't help that this Kerry team have a propensity for starting slowly before peaking during the All-Ireland series. The back door proved a real help last year; it enabled them to change things around and subsequently discover the benefit of utilising Donaghy at full forward.
With Armagh, Mayo, Meath and Donegal lying in wait, that option is not so appealing this time around.
But that's the route I believe they'll have to travel. The bookies have Kerry as clear favourites but I'll go for Cork. It's a new team and they need this game to find out more about themselves.
Cork must be ruthless. They will need to score at least 14 points and keep the flow of ball in to the Kerry marksmen to a minimum.
