In previous games, Clare could merely be accused of missing, rather than blowing, glorious opportunities to beat Limerick. Here they hugely, unmistakably, blew it.

Some wanted to abandon the city stadium during the county's lean years, but the good times are back at the historic ground.

Since May 2022 Clare-Limerick has usurped Tipp-Limerick as the most intriguing and intense rivalry in all of hurling and all of Munster.

This spring – as much as it has felt more like a winter – Clare won the league without Tony Kelly. Others have stepped up and stepped in.

Back when Clare were routinely playing and beating Kilkenny in league finals, the late Jackie O’Gorman was The Man.

The NAC has lost a lot of credibility in this entire saga, with their flawed process and logic and understanding of what constitutes “a serious injustice” as well as the practices and rules concerning last-second free throws.

In 1998 Clare were reigning Munster and All Ireland champions when they headed to Thurles to play a raw if promising young Cork team. 

Caitlin Clark not only puts the ball in the basket but she puts bums on seats like no one else.

Is the GAA and its calendar any better for no marquee games on the most celebrated national holiday of all?

Andy Farrell's side travel to London this weekend.