And once more, Kilkenny prevail

AND STILL we learn, as Goya said.

The great Spaniard was talking about oil on canvas but we learned a few things yesterday from Ballyhale Shamrocks’ defeat of Newtownshandrum in the All-Ireland club semi-final. About other masters. About other arts.

The game, which drew just over 6,0000 to Semple Stadium, was worthy, if unspectacular. Given the day that was in it there was more of the last-gasp visit to the service station about the fare than a bespoke order from Interflora, but we took some lessons from it all the same.