Mick Clifford: Let's cut the GAA some slack

Corralling off Cork’s first three matches in the Munster Hurling Championship is questionable, and could, through some beady eyes on Leeside, appear to represent the makings of a conspiracy

 Patrick Horgan of Cork celebrates after the Munster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 3 match between Cork and Limerick at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Picture: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Last Saturday I would have enjoyed sitting down in front of the box, coffee in one hand, biscuits in the other, and the Cork-Limerick match live from Páirc Uí Chaoimh. That wasn’t to be because it was not on terrestrial TV. I could have shelled out the €12 for GAAGO as I did for a match a few weeks ago and will do again today. But I didn’t bother.

A friend who referees club matches needed an umpire so I forewent the biscuits. At one stage during that match, I received an almighty smack in the face from a ricocheting shot at goal that knocked me halfway into next week. In my momentarily dazed condition, I saw Kerry winning this year’s All-Ireland football title, but reality arrived back within seconds.