GUI President-elect John Moloughney is backing Thurles Golf Club to keep up the high standards of the AIG Cups and Shields finals when they are staged at the Tipperary club in 2018.

Brass or bag pipes? Not much of a choice, really. But some fans are angry with the Munster Council for replacing the traditional pipe band on final day with a brass band. The TV3 honeymoon is over. They get a lash this week for the quality of their coverage and the GAA is criticised for failing to ensure live championship games are broadcast in Irish on TG4.

Angry fans pick up on some unusual aspects of Sunday’s Munster final. Like the train that “missed” Thurles station and the way the Munster Council are “skirting” – or should that be “kilting” – the issue of the choice of band at the game.

THE first sod was turned yesterday on the longest road project ever to be undertaken in the State.