Kieran Shannon: Thoughts of Munster hurling are the winter warmth we need

April 20: the date and event that helps warm the heart and the soul in these cold months.

Ciaran Joyce of Cork with Clare players, from left, David Reidy, left, David Fitzgerald and Cathal Malone during the Munster SHC. Picture: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

It’s only 103 days away now.

In recent days you’ve likely come across numerous pieces and numerous heads selecting the most anticipated sporting events of 2025. The Superbowl. The All-Ireland finals. The French in the Aviva, the Lions Down Under. The Masters in Augusta, The Open in Portrush, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage. In a year without an Olympics, World Cup or Euros, they’re the ones that have kept coming up, the pick of the bunch.