IN OR across the forty seventh minute of Sunday’s All-Eire hurling last, John Donnelly had simply adopted a Martin Keoghan purpose with an equalising level.
seemed round a heaving stadium and really shortly mirrored on the unbelievable scenes round me. Croke Park was able to burst, with the warmth, surrounds and war-like environment that solely a recreation of hurling can ship.
My admiration for the Cats and their refusal to die was now in one other stratosphere, and but on the finish of the day the unflappable males of Limerick proved over the following 25 minutes that they’re a staff which have earned the correct to be up there with the best ever.
Being away for many of final week, my hurling focus moved from membership to county and I spent the early a part of Sunday within the firm of associates sharing a pre-match meal with the Clare males of ’95 and ’97 in what was a really pleasant event.
Because the Banner males handed us to obtain their specifically commissioned jubilee medal from President Larry McCarthy, I remarked to Seánie Flood that the years had not been overly variety to them compared to ourselves.
Certainly, everybody current agreed we seemed the brisker, fitter and, dare I say, extra good-looking outfit, resplendent in our new jackets, trousers and footwear.
I used to be notably delighted to see my pricey buddy Michael Kinsella there as he was one of many nice inspirations to me personally in not doubting my aspirations to lastly win a Celtic Cross.
The presentation, pictures, and alternative to face on the hallowed floor had been a beautiful expertise and I couldn’t assist however really feel a variety of nostalgia pondering of the those who we have now misplaced within the intervening 26 years since 1996.
Seamus Barron was near everyone’s thoughts. Chatting to the Clare males, it was an awesome remorse that we didn’t meet within the 1997 last which I imagine would have been an event for the ages.
As the large Limerick help roared their staff house, no one might doubt their benefit as worthy champions, with Gearóid Hegarty and Declan Hannon giving masterclass shows, however Kilkenny with the incomparable T.J. concerned in all the pieces died very a lot with their boots on.
Colm Lyons officiated effectively all through, however I did really feel one or two marginal calls went to the inexperienced aspect, however then who could be a referee?
Lastly, on the 12 months I believe the Leinster individuals total have effectively confirmed that Munster haven’t any monopoly on brilliance.
The ‘Sunday Sport’ staff of the 12 months has eleven Munster males included and there’s a big bias there. Limerick totally deserve their illustration however Clare – who had been crushed out the gate by Kilkenny within the semi – have the identical quantity included (three) because the Cats which makes completely no sense.
From a Wexford perspective, for Damien Reck and Lee Chin to not be talked about as contenders defies logic and though I respect it’s only individuals’s opinions, this staff has an enormous affect on the All Star choices on the finish of the 12 months.
Briefly, it addles me when Leinster and Galway gamers aren’t given correct acknowledgement, and 4 on the staff from this a part of the world is a joke.
I do agree with Donal Óg that replays ought to nonetheless be factored in, while appreciating the fixture problem going through the GAA.
The native membership scene took fairly a dramatic flip over the weekend, with outcomes making certain that nearly each membership has a nervous weekend to sit up for.
With out complicating issues in Group A, all bar Gorey might qualify or discover themselves in relegation difficulties, so profitable is important to maintain everybody alive.
Ferns and the Rapps look moderately secure within the different group with optimistic rating variations, however there’s the weird state of affairs that even with six factors right here you won’t qualify.
All of it results in an attention-grabbing Sunday night to return, with texts and calls aplenty to establish your membership’s destiny.
Once more, in relation to fixtures and scheduling, some golf equipment may have no recreation from July 24 onwards which actually is just not conducive to enchancment.
The cut up season actually labored throughout Covid however wants cautious examination this winter to keep away from the identical early exits subsequent 12 months.
Right here is to an awesome weekend, and I believe we’ll see much more twists and turns by 8 p.m. Sunday. Completely happy hurling everyone.
