TRUST Johnny Pilkington to encapsulate it. As precise, accurate and succinct with words as he is with the ball, the veteran Birr midfielder afterwards summed up the old-fashioned ground hurling style with which his side had just demolished fancied Athenry thus: “It’s lazy hurling, get rid of the ball, less work to do, isn’t that it?”

BIRR have organised stern tests against Tipperary and Cork as the reigning All-Ireland club hurling champions continue their build-up to the semi-final clash with Athenry in Ennis on February 16.