"Germany going out is going to be a great study for coaches. Not simply bad coaching or mismanagement. What worked today may not tomorrow. So many variables required to win persistently. How did team tactically evolve since 2014? Was there enough adversity in qualifying campaign?"

Every year the comparative article here on this day constitutes a variation on a familiar theme. We have, oh dear, had precious little to talk about since last September. We have, oh woe, been living on processed meat. Now proper hurling — real beef — is back again. Yay! Rejoice and be glad. Etc.

Aidan Murphy’s early season form continues to impress following his late surge to deny Martin Coppinger in the Willie Whelton Cup at Grange.

Gerry O’Connor says Clare must make scoring chances count in Championship 2018.