Anthony Daly: A league medal is now as valuable as a loose €2 coin

The greatest irony of the competition is that it will still produce some brilliant contests in the opening weeks before managers and players decide to pull up the handbrake

HARD HITTING: Alan Tynan of Tipperary in action against Conor Cleary, left, and Brandon O'Connell of Clare during the Co-Op Superstores Munster Hurling League Group 1 match. Pic: Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

When Clare won the National hurling league in 1977, I was in third class in Clarecastle NS. Shortly afterwards in May of that year, there was a community week in the parish which involved a parade through Clarecastle involving local businesses, schools and community organisations.

I can’t remember the full context or theme behind our presentation, and whether it involved the GAA club or school, or both combined. In any case, four of us from the school were picked out to stand above on a float wearing Clare jerseys and show off the National league cup.