There are key elements that build belief and confidence once an All-Ireland final gets underway. It could be a block, a free, a moment of high fielding, a surging run — something that boosts a team’s morale and makes them feel invincible. All the talk of winning big starts to become a reality in front of your eyes.

Michael Darragh Macauley is in new territory.

Ballyboden St Enda’s 2-8 St Vincent’s 0-10 (Dublin SFC Final): Anybody who knows the impressive breadth and rich vitality of Ballyboden St Enda’s would never describe them as giant-killers.

The first time I ran into Henry Shefflin was in 1999. Clare played Kilkenny in a challenge in Johnstown and this young fella arrived onto my patch as a second-half sub.

If the adage “beware the ides of March” can be applied to Gaelic games, it must surely reflect the susceptibility of damaging an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the month.

Eddie Brennan believes more hurlers may postpone getting married to extend their inter-county careers.

Ironically, one Cork goalkeeping legend may have pointed out the biggest problem facing another in Dublin.

Former Cork selector Ger Cunningham was last night appointed as Anthony Daly’s successor as Dublin manager, being handed a three-year term.

WEXFORD v LIMERICK

Tipperary 2-23 Dublin 0-16, Semple Stadium

Kilkenny 0-24 Dublin 1-9

Anthony Daly took in the stony faces clutching microphones and, unlike most of his buddies in the bainisteoirs’ club who would have braced for combat, defused the tension as only he can.

I have a bit of weeding to do now at home, not the kind of job you’d normally look forward to but I have to say, pulling weeds will be nearly enjoyable after this.

Dublin manager Anthony Daly felt his side simply just didn’t do enough, as they relinquished hold of the Leinster Senior Hurling title this afternoon, after Kilkenny claimed a 12-point win at Croke Park.

Kilkenny 0-24 Dublin 1-9

Dublin won’t be giving up their crown with a major fight

This weekend offers Wexford a chance to stake a claim at the top table of hurling with a win over reigning Leinster champions Dublin after years in the wilderness.

For the annual outcry about this year’s Railway Cup, several people complained about the GAA’s failure to “market the competition” properly.

CLARE

Dublin defender Kevin Nolan has revealed the impact Type 1 diabetes has had on his inter-county career.

The post mortem will inevitably last weeks but, eventually, John McCaffrey expects Dublin to begin their preparations for 2014 with an unchanged panel and, crucially, with the same management team.

I thought James Owens had a fine game in Croke Park yesterday, an almost flawless performance. But, crucially, he made two mistakes and, unfortunately, they were two big ones.

This game turned on a few events. Dublin centre forward Ryan O’Dwyer, who was having a big influence on the game at the time, picked up a second yellow card with 20 minutes left at a time when the Metropolitans were a point to the good. For the record, the first card was harsh. Anthony Nash sent the free over the bar to level proceedings.

Dublin are set to field an unchanged team when they meet Cork in tomorrow afternoon's All-Ireland SHC semi-final at Croke Park.

I’m slightly annoyed with all this talk of a handy All-Ireland there now to be won — absolutely ridiculous.

A quick glance at the Dublin club hurling roll of honour and one trend becomes instantly apparent.

Even in hurling, multi-skilled sport and all that it is, every team still needs a bruiser or two, a big banger who can take and give the knocks in the rough-and-tumble of the all-important possession battles around the half-forward and half-back war zones.

Dublin 2-25 Galway 2-13

Dublin manager Anthony Daly has unsurprisingly named an unchanged team for Sunday's Leinster SHC final against defending champions Galway at Croke Park (throw-in 4pm).

Dublin manager Anthony Daly has resisted the temptation to tinker with his team for Sunday's Leinster SHC semi-final against Kilkenny at O'Moore Park (throw-in 3.50pm).

David Treacy will line out at top of the left of Dublin when they take on Tipperary in tomorrow's Allianz Hurling League semi-final at Semple Stadium (throw-in 2pm).

Dublin 3-15 Carlow 0-11

Reigning All-Ireland and Allianz Hurling League champions Kilkenny make several changes from the side that scraped past Clare last Sunday for tomorrow’s winner-take-all clash with Cork in Nowlan Park.

Wexford 0-15 Dublin 3-19, Wexford Park

Kevin Byrne and Mark Schutte will make their first league starts for Dublin in tomorrow's Division 1B opener against Offaly at Parnell Park (throw-in 7pm).

Whatever about young dual stars such as Ciaran Kilkenny and Cormack Costello opting for the big ball, the decision by one of his most established and seasoned players, defender Tomas Brady, to turn his back on hurling this year came as a major blow to Dublin manager Anthony Daly.

Johnny McCaffrey is set to continue as the captain of the Dublin senior hurling team for 2013.

Ryan O’Dwyer looks set to sit out the majority of Dublin’s Allianz Hurling League campaign.

At least this weekend the GAA got things right fixing the Leinster semi-final this afternoon and the Munster semi-final tomorrow.

For Saturday's Leinster SHC semi-final against Dublin, Kilkenny have made four personnel changes to the team that won the All-Ireland SHC title last September.