Galway and Kilkenny fans fire opening shots ahead of All Ireland final

We all know of folk who keep their Christmas decorations up all year round, to save on the hassle of taking them down. In Kilkenny, they may as well leave their black-and-amber colours on the streets, windows and telegraph poles on a continuous basis because come September (Sept-amber?) it’s likely they’ll be needed.

This year is no different, with the Cats on countdown to their 15th All-Ireland final in 17 seasons — not counting two replays — and those hats, flags and headbands called into duty yet again.

Not since the BC era (Before Cody) have Kilkenny missed out on the treasured September Sunday two years in a row and it’s not happening in 2015 either.