THE end of the hurling year is like a small death for anybody who loves the game. Getting a few weeks extra lease on the season is brilliant, writes Dónal Óg Cusack

And… Breathe. The neutrals may welcome another shot at an All-Ireland hurling final after that stunning draw but can the locals in Kilkenny and Tipperary bear it? Will their hearts be able for that sort of tension again?

The GAA’s Hawk-Eye technology has its critics, but the system netted the association €3m extra in gate receipts after its pivotal role in yesterday’s drawn All-Ireland hurling final.

Throw a sliotar across a field in the vicinity of any of the communities which nestle against the Kilkenny/ Tipperary border and you’re likely to hit someone who supports one county but is married to, works with, or is friends with, someone from the other side.

More than 2,000 devoted Cats fans turned out to see Kilkenny’s senior hurlers train ahead of tomorrow’s All Ireland final clash with Tipperary.