He’ll be a strong contender to replace Brian Cody when the Kilkenny boss eventually quits, but Eddie Brennan’s management career almost stalled before it began.

Hurling’s best kept secret, the Joe McDonagh Cup, comes out of the shadows on Sunday with live TV coverage of the final at Croke Park between Laois and Westmeath.

Kerry hurler Mikey Boyle’s young son, Bobby, wanted a Galway gearbag for Christmas as Joe Canning is one of his favourite players.