Hurling fans across the world were able to get their fix before settling down to the business of boarding planes home for Christmas as the Irish Examiner broadcast Limerick's win over Tipperary.

The winter season got underway in near summery conditions, on fast ground, at Thurles yesterday afternoon and, for the third consecutive year, sprightly veteran He’llberemembered landed the featured Premier County Hurdle for trainer Paul Fahey.

An otherwise run-of-the-mill meeting produced a very special moment at Tramore Racecourse last night as jockey Andrew McNamara, one of the true gentlemen of the weigh-room, bowed out aboard a winner on his final ride in the saddle.

The Willie Mullins-trained French import Noble Inn and Gordon Elliott’s Gigginstown-owned newcomer Charcam looked two decent juvenile hurdling prospects when fighting out the finish of the Ballinrobe Members Club 2014 3-Y-0 Maiden Hurdle in Ballinrobe yesterday.