El Clasico sets up another Semple sequel

WELL, we should have known. After a week of trumpeting the approach of a Munster hurling final — a Munster final between Cork and Waterford, no less — we’d ourselves set up for a fall.

Everyone should have expected to be under-whelmed, and instead of an event to suit the main stage at Oxegen the 35,962 spectators got a first half from Siamsa Cois Laoi, with a football scoreline after 35 minutes of 7-6.

How distant that seems now. The second half crackled alive and was worthy of the tradition these teams have produced in the last decade. Heroic performances, stirring rallies, and the late drama of a knockout finish (unsurprisingly, given Bernard Dunne’s presence in the Waterford corner).