Exorcising the September demons

IT WAS one of the strongest images from the All-Ireland hurling final, or rather, its immediate aftermath. With Kilkenny supporters milling around the turf of Croke Park, mobbing their heroes, a Waterford jersey was in amongst them.

John Mullane had finished the season as he started it. Waterford’s best player against Clare, he had run his heart out in the last game of the season, and at the final whistle he congratulated his opponents, including Brian Cody.

“It was hard. Extremely hard. But at the end of the day you’ve to congratulate people, too. We can’t forget the days we’ve had as well, when other lads have stayed out to congratulate us.