Tipp close, but it’s their era that has been ended

This was real championship fare in Nowlan Park on Saturday and the first man I want to congratulate for that is referee Brian Gavin, along with his team of officials.

Anything could have happened in this game such was its importance to both counties, but Brian was on top of things from the very beginning and the way he controlled everything contributed hugely to the way this game went.

Saturday evening should also send a message to the GAA — play more of these games at local venues, get the crowd but, above all, get the atmosphere because Nowlan Park was rocking all evening.