One of the most important meetings of my year took place earlier this week in the front seat of the car, writes Michael Moynihan.

I noted last week that there was a position vacant on the Kilkenny hurling team — that of full-back, given the departure of JJ Delaney into retirement. I think there might be even more significant vacancies in Irish sport, however.

Brian Cody paid a glowing tribute to his retired players yesterday, saying JJ Delaney was the “best defender I have ever seen”. 

For an overview before the hurling season started, Michael Moynihan spoke to GAA coach/tutor Damien Young, who lectures in strength and conditioning at Limerick IT and Setanta College as well as working as a performance analyst for the Tipperary senior hurlers

Among the many newsletters I subscribe to — The New Taxidermy, The Modern Man’s Guide to Panache — is The New Yorker’s daily offering, which never fails to uplift, educate, and spell out the pressing concerns of the Manhattan middle class, writes Michael Moynihan.

I still chuckle at the story of the (All-Ireland-winning) inter-county team management who decided to spring surprise car inspections on players rolling into training, writes Michael Moynihan.

The Cork County Board estimates that it will face a debt of just over €5 million when Páirc Uí Chaoimh is redeveloped, while officials will consider naming rights as a revenue stream for the stadium as well as a premium ticketing scheme.

Tipperary hurling icon Eoin Kelly says the Premier County must hit the ground running this year, writes Michael Moynihan.

Burnout. Calendar issues. Fixtures. Money challenges. Michael Moynihan reflects.

Parts of Donal Óg Cusack’s RTÉ’s documentary make for uncomfortable viewing, writes Michael Moynihan.