Jimmy Barry Murphy sat and smiled. With a twinkle in his eye one of Cork's coolest ever waved away the camera.

Grins were etched all over the Cork players faces in the dressing room. Tension didn't appear to be on the agenda.

The red and white team were simply preparing for another All Ireland final battle. Familiar foes awaited. By that stage Wexford and Cork had developed a rivalry.

Micheal O'Hehir's informative and engaging words supplied a glorious backdrop. Johnny Clifford, such a central figure in the Cork hurling story, is captured holding the spare hurleys.

Clifford was a selector in the 70s, but his display in the 54 decider against Wexford is still remembered Leeside. So to is his role in subsequent Cork successes. That is just the way it usually is with Cork, links to the past provide inspiration for the present and future.

Tradition always counts. Cork had outfoxed Wexford in the All Ireland finals of 1970 and 1976 bringing confidence and momentum into Croke Park once more.

Wexford had a panel packed with experience and quality, but one chief problem existed. Cork had stitched a particularly talented outfit together.

From goalkeeper Martin Coleman up to poacher Seanie O'Leary it was a collection of Cork players oozing class. Denis Coughlan, Martin O'Doherty, Gerald McCarthy, JBM, and Ray Cummins were other prominent figures for Cork.

Underage glory in the previous decade suggested Cork and Wexford were well placed to make an impact at the highest level.

Wexford won the 1966 minor crown after a replay against Cork, who avenged the loss the following year.

Then in 1968 Wexford returned as minor champions before Cork won three in a row and added another victory in 1974.

So many players from those particular teams were now operating in the senior ranks. The highly regarded coach, Canon Bertie Troy, was aware of the talent being crafted in Cork. So 1976, 1977, and 1978 brought joy showcasing Cork's ability at GAA headquarters and beyond.