Sergiu Ciobanu didn’t take long to understand the prestige and history of the Ballycotton ‘10’. Fresh off the plane from Moldova, Ciobanu quickly realised victory in East Cork would guarantee household status in local running circles.

FAMILIARITY breeds contentment — or so says 2010 young hurler of the year Brendan Maher as All-Ireland champions Tipperary get ready to start their season under new manager Declan Ryan.