DUBLIN hurlers are in the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland and, let me stress, they’re hot favourites.

THE CRITICAL DIFFERENCE. A seven-point gap was a little flattering to Galway and a little harsh on Cork. This was a tight affair where possession around midfield and in the half lines was at a premium.

THIS Munster final was decided in the five minutes after half time. In that spell, Waterford dominated the play and Tipperary looked in trouble.

AS I strolled down to Cusack Park from the centre of Ennis on Saturday, I passed a funeral home a hundred metres or so from the pitch. The thought flashed through my mind that the joust with Galway might be the final nail in the coffin for Clare’s hurling season where they have failed to win a game in league or championship.

THE cover of the match programme in O’Connor Park on Saturday night for Cork-Offaly was significant.

1. Davy Fitzgerald came to this game with a plan.