Next month marks the 50th anniversary of the National Hurling League final between Kilkenny and Tipperary, one of the most controversial clashes in GAA history, writes Enda McEvoy

THE VOICE was arresting people. We were in an alcove in a Cork hotel, killing a pot of tea, and those hurrying past kept slowing down and peering in when they heard the soft tone drifting out.

THE hurlers and footballers chosen on the very first All-Star teams 35 years ago will be honoured at a function in Croke Park today, hosted by the GAA and Vodafone.

Our GAA correspondent Jim O’Sullivan covers his 70th All-Ireland final tomorrow, 35 years after his first. Pat Spillane (pictured) fuelled the debate at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club this week about changing times, while Colm O’Connor stroked it.

THE new Welsh open champion Simon Kahn has strong Irish connections. His father Desmond was born in Milltown, Co Dublin and his uncle Frank is a journalist with the Irish Independent.