1 Alan Quirke (Valley Rovers) Age: 32. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 13st 10lb (87kg). Occupation: Army officer. Has recovered well since the disaster of the 2007 final. His kick-outs remain consistently effective and his ability to link with Pearse O'Neill has played a major role in that. Has a good understanding with his full backs.

5 John Miskella (Ballincollig)

Age: 31. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 12st 10lb (81kg).

Occupation: Garda.

In attack he’s been excellent with his vision and ability to link into play at pace from half-back line. Tends to do the right thing with the ball – scoring or creating scores. Fortunate to be playing after escaping suspension.

4 Anthony Lynch (Naomh Abán)

Age: 32. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st (83kg).

Occupation: Stockbroker.

A natural man marker and leader. He tends to play better in Munster than Croke Park. Man-of-the-Match performance on Cooper in Páirc Uí Chaoimh and his ability to repeat that is one of tomorrow’s big questions.

12 Paddy Kelly (Ballincollig)

Age: 24. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st (83kg).

Occupation: Teacher.

Works tirelessly tracking back and an integral part of Cork’s strategy to get a grip on the middle third. He’ll pressure the ball carrier and help out with the ferocious tackling. Typifies the new team work ethic.

7 Noel O’Leary (Cill na Martra)

Age: 27. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 13st 10lb (87kg).

Occupation: Tree surgeon.

A tenacious footballer who has curbed a tendency for indiscipline. His style obviously appeals to Conor Counihan and he has a major job to do on Paul Galvin in what could be a very volatile match-up.

15 Donnacha O’Connor

Age: 28. Height: 6ft. Weight: 12st (76kg).

Occupation: GAA development officer.

Indifferent year to date with frees and, at times, shot selection in general. Decision making hasn’t been great either. But will cover ground outfield and if he corrects the glitches, has the potential to be a match winner.

13 Daniel Goulding (Eíre Óg)

Age: 23. Height: 6ft 1in. Weight: 14st (89kg).

Occupation: Student.

Obvious eye for goal combined with the ability to shake off tackles and make room for himself makes him a real danger. He has the typical poacher’s clinical finish. Excellent on the right-hand side of the pitch.

6 Graham Canty (Bantry Blues, captain)

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 1in. Weight: 13st 11lb (88kg).

Occupation: Engineer.

A real captain, who leads by example. His defensive role has become more important with the selection of Declan O’Sullivan at centre forward and those forward runs may be inhibited. Ferocious appetite this year.

9 Nicholas Murphy (Carrigaline)

Age: 31. Height: 6ft 5in. Weight: 14st (89kg).

Occupation: Sales manager, National Flooring.

At this stage he’s playing more of a holding role and Cork aren’t as dependent on him as before. The Darragh Ó Sé factor isn’t as big an issue anymore and he might benefit from that in terms of self-belief.

2 Ray Carey (Clyda Rovers)

Age: 23. Height: 6ft 1in. Weight: 12st (76kg).

Occupation: Student.

A player with obvious pace and comfortable on the ball. The problem is he lacks the physique and height that will be necessary if Kerry maximise their aerial threat. Participation not certain due to injury.

10 Paul Kerrigan (Nemo Rangers)

Age: 22. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st 5lb (85kg).

Occupation: Student.

Has added dynamism to the team. Explosive going forward, he can create options by taking on other players but sometimes overdoes the solo run. Could show better vision on the ball and be more clinical.

14 Colm O’Neill (Ballyclough)

Age: 20. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 13st 5lb (85kg).

Occupation: Student.

Has been a revelation with his pace and willingness to take on defenders. His finishing has also been impressive but this is the big test for so young a player. Too big?

11 Pearse O’Neill (Aghada)

Age: 27. Height: 6ft 5in. Weight: 16st (102kg).

Occupation: Accountant.

Key player, who uses height, strength and running power. Those defence-splitting runs will threaten the Kerry rearguard. Consistent ability to win kick-outs, it’ll be an intriguing match up with Mike McCarthy.

8 Alan O’Connor (St Colum’s)

Age: 24. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 14st 5lb (91kg).

Occupation: Electrician.

A very under-rated player with a huge engine. He’s been very solid and a vital cog in the Cork team. Tremendous work rate and goes about his business in steady, unspectacular way.

3 Michael Shields (St Finbarr’s)

Age: 23. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st (83kg).

Occupation: Student.

Excellent all-rounder but better suited to the corner and likes the scope of an open pitch. He lacks the physical presence to deal with Kieran Donaghy if he comes in but has performed well apart from the Donegal match.