The battle lines are drawn, now for war...

OKAY, it’s not the Balkans, it’s not Georgia, the mayor of Waterford isn’t about to lead an assault across the bridge over the Suir any time soon, but still.

The area around Ferrybank on the north side of the river is disputed territory, the frontline in the battle of the colours between Kilkenny and Waterford ahead of the All-Ireland final.

“Kilkenny people will try to tell you,” says Shane ‘Shiner’ Aherne, “that the river used to be the boundary — it was not. Ferrybank has been part of Waterford city for centuries with abbey rights granted by Henry II. Since the time boundaries were first drawn, Ferrybank has been in Waterford.”