It is 30 years since Sarsfields claimed their one and only Cork senior camogie championship title.

“D’you see that fine mare over there. Wouldn’t you know she was special from the way she stands out,” nudged the man with a funny hat, pointing his stick in the direction of a grand grey in the middle of the field.

Parents from rural schools around Cork and Kerry brandished placards at the hurling and football double-header in Cork, urging the Government not to shut down rural Ireland.