How They View Themselves

Not arrogant just better.

Typical quote: "Show us your All-Ireland titles, boy." Heroes: Ringie. Christy Ring, possibly hurling's most famous son, and winner of eight All-Ireland medals. Also home of the dual star, most famously Jimmy Barry-Murphy - "6'2", eyes-of-blue, Jimmy Barry we love you". Other notables in this category include Jack Lynch, Teddy McCarthy and present day players Sean O Ailpin hAilpin and Brian Corcoran (currently concentrating exclusively on hurling).

Heartland: Football - West Cork, where the boys of Castlehaven, Bantry, Duhallow and Clonakilty strut their stuff to the bemusement of the local German population. Hurling - Traditionally, city clubs St Finbarr's, Glen Rovers and Blackrock.

Biggest rivals: Football - Neighbours Kerry, Dublin, the boys from the other capital, and most recently Meath, who they had bad blood with at the close of the last and the beginning of this decade. Hurling - Previously Tipperary, but now just about anybody in Munster since their star has waned in the '90s.

Friends: Friends no, but grudging respect from Munster rivals perhaps.

How They Are Viewed By Others

Cute Corkies. A different country, nay planet, where it is advisable to bring your passport if you have to travel there.

Typical quote: "Pairc Ui Chaoimh, how could they build it there where nobody can get in or out of it" or "Cork, they're never beaten." - except since 1990's "Rebels on the double" when neither footballers or hurlers have won a championship.

Villians: Dinny Allen, who gave the V-sign to the Hill in 1989 and brought upon himself the wrath of a few thousand baying Dubs.