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.’ 

Ballyhale Shamrocks simply don’t lose in Croke Park.

Playing five Championship matches and reaching an All-Ireland final wasn’t enough to secure Cork even one All-Star. Different times now boi.

Clare GAA chiefs were forced to delay the start of their senior hurling championship final by 15 minutes due to large crowds outside Cusack Park

O’Loughlins fought like demons from the first whistle but Ballyhale never backed off for a second

It certainly wasn’t a classic but Kilmallock were deserving winners. They did most of the hurling