ALL-IRELAND SHC champions Cork are relishing their pairing with Munster kingpins Waterford in their first outing of next year's provincial championship.

THERE are all sorts of guys who have long playing careers. There are the heroes, men like Christy Ring, Mick Mackey, Eddie Keher, the immortal few who graced hurling’s biggest stage, becoming legends.

CORK SELECTOR Patsy Morrissey understands the rivalry between his native county, and tomorrow’s Munster SHC opponents Limerick better than most. He likes to think of it as border patrol.

FOUR short months ago the Limerick GAA world looked set to implode. The management of the hurling and football camps were a little tense over the dual player issue. Talks of ultimatums filled the news grapevine.

Hurling manager Padjoe Whelahan has reportedly told his panel in training this week that he expects full commitment this season.

PADJOE WHELAHAN was last night ratified as the new manager of the Limerick senior hurling team for a two-year period.

THE morning after the night before in Birr and even if some of the players are a little under the weather following their massive welcome home as the first club to win four hurling All-Ireland titles, manager Padjoe Whelehan was as clear-headed as ever, reflecting on a job well done.

THE end justified the means, but Birr manager Padjoe Whelahan was still a little miffed by the manner in which he had to lead his charges to another All-Ireland club title and a place in the record books.

UP in Dunloy, there are effigies of Brian Mullins, suspended figures at which the kids take pot-shots.