ALL-IRELAND senior hurling final on Sunday, Clare v Kilkenny, and the best of luck to both. Even as they enjoy the big stage however, we read again that in both counties, the club scene, and the club players, are suffering a serious lack of serious competition.

SHAKESPEARE’S Hamlet proclaimed: “Something’s rotten in the state of Denmark”.

LARRY TOMPKINS has welcomed the fact that Kerry captain Darragh Ó Sé has been cleared to play against Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.

AN apology this week, and a plea, but they are not unconnected.