Kings have lost their crowns as club battle commences

THERE was a time when county championship success meant rounds. Not of the pitch, but of pints and of pubs, with chests out, heads held high, and the all-important cup in tow.

Not any more though. County honours now mean more laps, press-ups and hardship in the cold and mud. Domestic victory is now seen as a gateway to provincial honours and for the dreamers, a run-out on Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.

The first forays in the AIB provincial club championships will be taken tomorrow, with hurling action in Leinster, Munster and Ulster marking the launch of a hectic seven weeks in the race for the provincial crowns.