Clare weren't brilliant against Wexford, but it was much better than what we saw in Cork last weekend. Brick by brick. Step by step.

That deep inhalation of satisfaction that Ballygunner have been sucking into their lungs over the last couple of days must be all the more enjoyable again for more than just their super sub's winning strike. Because they overcame every obstacle imaginable against one of the greatest club teams before finally leaping into nirvana.

I just feel that the Waterford side’s graph is rising more steadily. Unlike Ballyhale, Ballygunner also seem to have a clean bill of health. There is pressure on them to deliver but if any group are capable of handling it and creating their own history, it’s Ballygunner.

Clare couldn’t deal with Cork’s heat when in possession and Cork feasted on turnovers and unforced errors that came off those plays

We’re back to this perennial argument again at the start of every season; apart from Kilkenny, does any team have any real interest in winning the league?

He was a hugely imposing figure, but Pádraic Maher didn’t just trade on that physique and physicality because he was as brave as a lion

It’s always only hurling but, while we all understand that reality, acceptance never tranquilises the anguish in those circumstances.

Slaughtneil won nine-in-a-row in Derry; Ballygunner wrapped up eight-in-a-row in Waterford; Ballyhale Shamrocks and St Thomas’ both completed four-in-a-row in Kilkenny in Galway.

That hurt is clearly driving this Ballygunner squad, but I felt that their main source of motivation going into yesterday was the fallout from the Loughmore-Castleiney game

 The parade alone, and the noise which boomed around Croke Park that afternoon was like a loud exhalation, a guttural roar that proudly declared: ‘We’re back, thank God, we’re back.’