1. CLARE POSITIVES

Munster SHC Semi-Final

When a player in the mould of Jerry O’Connor lines out at centre-forward, it’s obvious that the game plan will be linked through him, rather than by sending long balls down the middle.

IN the final minute of last night’s final, Cork came forward and drove though the middle but failed to finish.

MANAGERS of all teams need enthusiasm when seeking success. It is a key ingredient.

1. The Kilkenny penalty decision.

A number three can hurl a lot of ball, make vital interceptions, thunder out of defence, but cannot afford any mistake in front of goal. The full-back can win lots of ball but all the full forward needs is one.

1. TS and TN number-plates whizzed by – at 120kmph, if any gardaí are reading – as I drove to Dublin yesterday, and it struck me that this county was in a hurry.

1. KILKENNY’S victories in major championship games over the past number of years have been based on scoring goals.

WATERFORD’S big confrontation against Galway came down to the final five minutes and the turning point was the introduction of Big Dan Shanahan.