Martin Clarke

Few could boast the same impact that Clarke has had upon returning home from Collingwood in the AFL. Tadgh Kennelly did it last year and won an All-Ireland, but Clarke has arguably been the player of the year. The half-forward can score from anywhere and his distribution is almost without par. In addition, Clarke typifies the new form of defensive half-forward by tracking back into midfield and winning the ball when he needs to. A real match-winner for Down, and one who Cork need to get a hold of early on.

Pearse O’Neill

In the semi-final against Kildare, Down’s defence was made to work hard. Afterwards, questions were raised about what would happen if Down were to come up against a clinical forward. Pearse O’Neill is a clinical forward- but only on his day. He scored 1-2 and was the star in Cork’s quarter-final win over Roscommon. In the semi-final, Dublin appeared to have identified the Aghada man as a threat and he failed to score at all. Still, Down ignore O’Neill at their peril.

Mark Poland

If Down are champions on Sunday evening, it will be a shock. Down have already shocked this season, having beat Kerry in the quarter-final. In that match, Down opened up the scoring after minutes through Mark Poland. If they are to win, Down need to focus on their strength- their attack. Martin Clarke feeds Poland superbly, and the An Ríocht clubman is adept at putting those chances away.

Graham Canty

Cork captain Canty has had a somewhat chequered Championship. He suffered with injury, and came back for the semi-final against Dublin only to be pulled off at half time. Canty, playing at centre half-back, needs to play to his best if Cork are to contain the potent Down attack. Canty will also need to lead his team from the back- and could even be in direct confrontation with Martin Clarke.