Anthony Daly: Na Fianna so assured but Sars were full of nervous energy

Had the disparity between the sides anything to do with the comparative logistical circumstances of both groups.

Kevin Burke of Na Fianna in action against James Sweeney of Sarsfields during the AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship final match between Na Fianna and Sarsfields at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

People often wonder why the club hurling final is played before the football final every year, and why the finals don’t rotate, even every few years. I don’t know the reason, but maybe the poor record of the hurling finals – with many having been washouts in the last few decades – is a contributing factor.

Is that a good enough reason? I’m not sure but the football finals have, in fairness, a better track record of producing more competitive games. I watched yesterday’s match in the premium level in Croke Park and, five minutes into the second half the concourse was still thronged, with loads of the seats that were full in the first half still vacant.