Keep removing pillars and even the dome of St Peter’s will fall

Ten years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago, 40 years ago and 50 years ago, back when they were kings, this would have been the game of the day for a very obvious reason.

Serial All-Ireland winners, two houses both alike in dignity, all that jazz. Tomorrow it’s the game of the day for an equally obvious and extremely different reason. Fallen giants versus – perhaps – falling giants.

Too early to call it a dry run for the relegation play-off? Patently. This evening’s losers in Croke Park - Dublin or Waterford - will not be sitting easily afterwards and it’s highly possible that by teatime tomorrow no fewer than four counties will be squashed together on two points. Either way there’s a lot of hurling left to be done this month. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.