I was there... and it was that good

AS a sporting highlight, the few minutes before a game might sound an odd choice. You’ll understand if you were lucky enough to be in Semple Stadium just after 3 o’clock on June 27.

The minor cup had been presented, the latecomers were being accommodated, and the sun had come out.

Then you realised something at about the same time as everyone else in the stadium. This is it: the Munster hurling final. Beforehand there's the usual talk about legendary players and epic contests, but in the few minutes before the Munster final it hits you that the ticket you fought so hard to get may be your visa to witness immortality. Before the ball is thrown in, anything is possible. This game could be as good as '02, '95, '84, '78 or further back: the shuddering clashes of the '60s, the magnificent seven from '49 to '54, the epics of the '30s.