Anthony Daly: Emotion, class and dogfights on an epic hurling day on the couch

If anyone saw me in my sitting room yesterday, they’d have thought I was a stockbroker on Wall Street trying to keep up with anything that moved.

CHAMPS: Ruairí Óg Cushendall players celebrate with the cup after the Antrim County Senior Club Hurling Championship final match between Ruairi Og Cushendall and Loughgiel Shamrocks at Corrigan Park in Belfast. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

During the week, I got a call from Rory Hanniffy from Birr and Offaly to remind me of my invitation to attend Birr’s 25-year celebrations of winning the 1998 All-Ireland club title. “Are you under pressure Saturday, Dalo?” he asked. “This rugby is a bit of a problem – we’re starting at 5.30pm.” 

Rugby or no rugby, there was no surprise there. “That’s a real Birr one Gary,” I replied. “No panic, I’ll be there.” They were also celebrating their 1995 All-Ireland success so they invited Gary O’Kane from Dunloy (who Birr beat in that 1995 final after a replay) and Davy Clarke from Kilmallock, Birr’s victims in the semi-final.