IT STARTED as a bit of fun but Damien Hayes has revealed he’ll make much-needed money from his fearsome beard.

I HAVE a very good friend who likes a punt. This year he did the following treble; Kauto Star to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup – we know what happened there; Portumna to win the All-Ireland club hurling title today and Ireland to win the Grand Slam on Saturday.

HOW do you predict a winner from these two? Three years ago, in 2006, a Ballyhale Shamrocks side whose talents had been flagged inside Kilkenny for some years finally made the breakthrough, winning the club its first county senior title in 15 years.

Portumna 1-18 Gort 2-07, Pearse Stadium

CHRISTY RING CUP GROUP 2A: WICKLOW 1-18 WESTMEATH 1-15

Leo Smith will lead the Westmeath attack against Dublin in Sunday's Leinster SHC quarter-final clash at Portlaoise (throw-in 3.50pm).

EVEN for those of us almost immune the heartbreak of the losing dressing-room, it was one of those moments that get to you.

Birr (Offaly) 3-9 Portumna (Galway) 3-19

Portumna 2-8 Newtownshandrum 1-6

Portumna 2-13 Loughrea 2-9