Seems brawn wins out over beauty in hurling

The recent National Hurling League final at Nowlan Park could so easily be described as the ‘Rugby-Hurling League final’ such was the intensity and ferocity of the exchanges throughout.

Some years ago, the RTÉ pundit Ger Loughnane was castigated for suggesting Kilkenny were playing ‘very close to the edge’.

Certainly now at this stage, his opinion is generally accepted by most observers of the game.

To put this transformation into context, just compare the Cork/Galway final of ‘05 with more recent games.

Unless, and until, the top level hurling referees recognise and penalise accordingly the rugby-like tackling offences, brawn will continue to win out.

Vince Dullea

Clonakilty

Co Cork