There is a cheap line about the All-Ireland final being a contest between the two best teams in the country. It usually is, but not always. Cast your mind back to a time when Ulster and Connacht matched up at semi-final stage in the 70s and 80s (every three years) and it's pretty reasonable to suggest the lazy one-liner did not apply. Things have changed dramatically since the introduction of the Qualifiers and it certainly helps us to identify the leading lights. I might argue the two best teams in Ireland met at the penultimate stage this year when Cork played and defeated Tyrone. It's a reasonable proposition. But Kerry might not agree. So, what about this Kerry team? This year in particular? We all agree they are/were simply an amazing bunch of Kerry men. Their longevity and standards are there for all to see so, let's get the numbers out of the way first: Kerry are through to yet another final, a sixth All-Ireland final appearance in a row; it will be their 8th final this decade all told and of course they have already won four of them. Kerry has never missed out on the Last Eight since their introduction in 2001 and have yet to be beaten in a quarter-final either. These are fantastic numbers in any man's language but they establish only one matter of fact: Kerry are the most consistent team of the decade. But Kerry in 2009 are not going well and will have to replicate their performance versus Dublin in the quarter-final if they are to win this title. And of course, they are brilliant players on their day and so, such a performance is possible. But is it likely? 'The Gooch' is well off his best and nothing short of his best will take Anthony Lynch on final day. Declan O'Sullivan, the best player in the country, is now getting confused between his best position of centre-half forward and the other three positions Kerry need him to play in. Kerry have no reliable free taker from distance and the sight of Cooper having to wait for two or three different runs when taking a '45' underlines this. They need Bryan Sheehan for the dead balls but won't gamble on his general contributions from play. It's a call. Cork remain the only unbeaten inter-county senior football in Ireland and so, it is only right that they enter the final as slight favourites with the bookmakers. And you will be aware of the old adage about the mode of transport these astute men who set the odds don't use: 'Did you ever see a bookie on a bicycle?' No, indeed. This favourites tag is based on strong evidence that Cork are a much-changed outfit in attitude and a little changed in personnel since 2007/2008 when Kerry won easily enough. From this season's get-go the Rebels announced a new approach to winning football games: strong, brave and direct footballers required - all others need not apply. But don't let this talk of size and power and direct lines fool you about their skill set - they all can handle the rock and are comfortable moving themselves by use of the solo run or the ball by hand or foot. They are an exceptionally tall team in the middle eight of halfbacks plus half forwards and the two midfielders. Canty is the anchor and both the wing forwards Kerrigan and Kelly are their Special K. With Miskella adding to the attacking option, much of the threat comes from these runners and Kerry will have to stick and stay with them throughout. Even then Cork have the greatest option of all - kick the ball into any of their front six and each of them can aggressively contest and often win their own ball. This Cork team will carry only one worry into this final - the psychological pressure that Kerry and their winning tradition has imposed on them over the years. This is especially true in recent years in Croke Park when Cork have fallen flat on their faces. If Cork handles that pressure, and I believe they will, then they will be the worthiest of champions. You don't know what to expect with the minors All-Ireland final day is possibly one of the most pressurised days in any Gaelic footballers life. We have witnessed plenty of senior players let the occasion get to them, fail to perform as they would have hoped and slip out of Croke Park as quickly as possible. This is especially true of first timers, so, spare a thought for the minor lads who, by virtue of the age limit, are nearly always appearing in their first final. This is why there is great inconsistency in the performances of minor teams from one match to the next and you will be aware that pundits are slow to call any of these games with any degree of certitude. It often is a case of waiting to see how the young men are when they fall out of bed on final morning! But despite the fluctuation in form, it is fair to say that Armagh have been mightily impressive this season. I saw them play in the Ulster championship and immediately pencilled them in as contenders for national honours. And yet, if you saw Mayo take out Galway in the opening phase in Connacht you might have paired the Green and Red with the northerners for an appearance on the 20th September. This promises to be a marvellous final and features the only two unbeaten championship sides in the country. Armagh are in the box seat for sure but that hardly means Mayo will travel with little or no hope. Recent finals that I have attended are always hard fought and only a couple of points tend to separate the winners and losers. Armagh has the physical attributes of a grade older than minor and play to excellent patterns that underline a really lively attack. They have already hammered Mayo in an early season challenge and have a full forward line that will excite when in possession. Tasker, McVerry and McPartland are mature attackers and expect Grugan to pop over the frees. If Armagh has a weakness it is in defence where their backs have conceded more goals than is healthy, even if they did keep a clean sheet in the semi-final win over Kerry. I was at Armagh's last great adventure in 1992 when Meath pipped them at the post and that was a tough defeat for them to take. A late flurry from the Royals beat a fine Armagh side and so this time it's about setting the record straight and winning a second title. My own county have an excellent underage tradition and if we fail to always bring home the bacon, we certainly know how to get back centre stage regularly. The last win was in 1985 and this will be the sixth final since then. Already in the noughties, Mayo has contested the 2000, 2005 and 2008 finals only to go back down the N4 defeated once again. Look out for the agile goalkeeper Michael Slingermann, the deadly from frees Aidan Walsh and the dangerous Cillian O'Connor, a player we feel will have a long career in the senior colours. I am a firm believer in every dog having his day and the trick is to keep showing up and scratching on the door; eventually, somebody will let you in. In that regard, one cannot fault the Mayo men for perseverance, one of sports most important attributes. Few expect Mayo to win but I for one will not be surprised if they rise to the occasion and sneak a famous win. Tweet

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