Banner’s grit and graft will test the Déise, but will it be enough?

It’s time logic began to enter the thinking of the GAA. We have two huge hurling games tomorrow but at venues 50 miles apart.

Where is the sense in that? I would love to see both matches and I’m sure the same applies to a lot of other people.

I know there’s an issue here about the provincial councils but there are parts of Galway and I’d say parts of Offaly nearer Thurles than Portlaoise. It would have increased the attendance, made for a far better atmosphere, and the two councils could have split the gate. Even if they couldn’t have agreed on that, they could have had those games on different days and give hurling fans an opportunity to see both.