Hi Mam, How is everybody at home? Just a quick note to make sure you got my Conor McGregor duvet cover washed, like I asked. And to ask you to get in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs for us when you get the time.

The system. What was almost a dirty term in hurling circles is now part of the build-up to championship games. Gavin O’Mahony of Limerick accepts that: he’s around long enough to remember the early tactical innovations, writes Michael Moynihan

Michael Moynihan took his place in the press tribune at Yankee Stadium in New York and in between gorging on the smorgasbord of free food, indulged in one of America’s great sporting pastimes: Baseball at Yankee Stadium.

No doubt the calls will be sounded again soon. Root and branch reform. Sweeping change. Not good enough.

I’ll finish talking about my trip to America sometime soon, but I refer to one interesting conversation before the moratorium kicks in.

One of the contributors to Thomas Hauser’s biography of Muhammad Ali told a story that sums up one — just one — aspect of the boxer.

How far away are you really, no matter the distance you’ve travelled?

You may be aware of a new book on the shelves by Oliver Kay about Adrian Doherty, the Northern Ireland youngster who impressed at Manchester United before dying tragically young.

This week will be one to enjoy for fans of Cork and Tipperary.