Cork supporters have long feared the 'heavy favourites' tag and will be keen to avoid a shock against Limerick in the Munster SFC final on Sunday.
Sunday: Pairc Ui Chaomh, 2pm
Conor Counihan's Rebels have been an extremely consistent force so far this year, marked out by their NFL Division Two form and their two matches against Kerry. The men in red should have dispatched of their archrivals without the need for a replay, but were equally determined and ruthless in the second encounter.
Anthony Lynch was outstanding in defence, along with several of his colleagues, while the Rebels have strengthened their options in attack and are an all-round physical challenge for any side.
Cork will be missing Noel O'Leary, who is suspended having been sent off in the semi-final replay, while John Miskella was available for selection despite initially being considered an injury worry.
Limerick have Stephen Kelly back, with the presence of dual stars Stephen Lucey and Mark O'Riordan also a massive boost for Mickey Ned O'Sullivan's men.
The Kerry man was in charge when the Treatymen almost beat Cork at the provincial semi-final stage last year - Cork needing two late goals to ensure victory - but they do face a much tougher task at Pairc Ui Chaomh.
The final appearance is also the first in five years for the men in green - when they held Kerry to a replay before being beaten second time out - and though they do not look as strong on paper in 2009, they are sure to cause Cork a couple of problems.
Verdict: Cork. Talk of an All-Ireland crown is still a little premature but Counihan's side have been getting closer every year recently and their displays against Kerry were impressive.