There's absolutely no arguing with this result because Kilkenny were clearly the better team on the day. Cork were actually flattered to finish within three points of them, although that's probably a tribute to them as well that they held on and finished as close as they did.

It was just the absolute desire and hunger throughout the Kilkenny team that proved insurmountable, and meant Cork found it so hard to move the ball in an effective way. Take Henry Shefflin, for example. He was in the face of the Cork players all day, and put unbelievable pressure on the ball.

Shefflin must be the best hurler in the country, and yet his work ethic was incredible. His willingness to work for the team, rather than try to put up a big score for himself, summed up the spirit of Kilkenny and that's what won it for them on the day.

Like a lot of people, I did think Cork would pull through. You have to pay tribute to Brian Cody for getting Kilkenny as well prepared as he did, despite the many setbacks they endured. I feel this is the win he will take most satisfaction from.

Perhaps there was a little bit of tiredness in Cork but it would be a little disrespectful to Kilkenny to say that's why they lost. I think there was a lot more than that to it. Early in the year, when I saw Kilkenny beat Tipperary, I had no doubt they would win the All-Ireland. Since then they had their injury problems and the team got more unsettled, and that created doubts.

As it turned out those injuries galvanised them. On top of that they had the chance to stop Cork's three-in-a-row bid and I think with all that in the mix Kilkenny were fired up to win.

Still Cork never found their true rhythm. Watching them over recent years there have been some instances where they have overdone the short passing, and while they see it as their tried and trusted system, I think at some stages they played right into Kilkenny's hands. Kilkenny were closing down so quickly, and yet Cork were sticking with two or three hand-passes. At times that put Donal Óg Cusack under extra pressure, and it cost them at least one free.

One example was when Niall McCarthy was free towards the goal and, instead of sending the ball into the danger area, passed out to John Gardiner. So in ways I felt Cork didn't help themselves by persisting with their methods, and the potential flaws in that game were ruthlessly exposed.

The Kilkenny defence delivered such an outstanding performance the writing was on the wall from early on. That was one of the question marks over the team and instead it was their greatest strength on the day. Brian Corcoran was destroyed by Noel Hickey. And while Niall McCarthy started well and Ben O'Connor delivered nice scores, the Kilkenny defence won that area of the field hands down.

At the other end, it was obvious Aidan Fogarty was a serious threat, and yet Cork persisted with Pat Mulcahy on him. Of course it's a hard thing to replace your captain, but it's funny how All-Ireland finals throw up these dark horses that really help win the day, and Fogarty proved that here. He was superb, unorthodox in some ways and yet very effective.

His goal proved crucial in a low-scoring game, and Cork struggled to stay in the game after it. Even if they got back to three points again, Kilkenny responded immediately. Cork's much-praised half-back line was destroyed, and just couldn't clear the ball such was the constant pressure put on them.

Diarmuid O'Sullivan held up okay but Cusack was under so much pressure, while at the other end James McGarry had an armchair ride behind his defence. Cork just didn't have much outside their regular 15 either. None of the changes worked on this occasion. But I wouldn't say it's the end of this team. They need to find a few extra players.

There are no doubts Kilkenny are the best team in the country. The amount of talent they have is incredible, with Fogarty, James Fitzpatrick, and Tommy Walsh all still maturing.

It wasn't a classic final but it was as truly an intense game as you could ask for, the battles fought tooth and nail. Kilkenny were ready to take on that intensity, and that was the key to their victory.