Display of respect as two great rivals act in the proper spirit

AND they say lightning never strikes twice! Three times this year Waterford and Cork have met in championship hurling, three times they’ve served up magnificent matches, games that will live long in the memory.

One of those games was a draw, just a goal separated them in the other two, each time to Waterford’s advantage, yet in each of those games Cork too had their chance for glory. On the scoreboard the difference between them is marginal but the scoreboard, even in close games, doesn’t lie. This year, Waterford are the better team, and hats off to them.

What was really heartening to see yesterday, however, was the scene on the pitch at the end. From one end of the field to the other opponents embraced, long handshakes, a very obvious mutual respect.