IT WAS off-hand comment and revelation, both at the same time.

TIPPERARY GAA chiefs last night postponed six local club fixtures which had been scheduled for next weekend due to the county’s forthcoming All-Ireland senior final battle with Kilkenny and their participation in next Saturday’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21HC semi-final.

THE 2010 instalment of hurling’s Féile na nGael festival takes place in Clare this weekend with hurling, camogie and handball teams from the 32 counties and the UK taking part.

IT’S A long way from Balbriggan to Thurles, longer still if, like Michael Gleeson, you lived in one but pined for the other.