Thunder and lightning final

IT was a grey day in Croke Park yesterday for this All-Ireland hurling final, damp and dull with light rain sporadically falling on a stadium already shrouded in mist – that’s for the weather-watchers however.

On the pitch, where it all matters, Kilkenny were attempting to create history in their drive for five All-Ireland SHC titles in a row and Tipperary were trying to avoid the agony of a second successive final loss.

It was thunder and lightning from the throw-in with sparks flying as two turbo-charged teams went full-on at each other. Bone-shuddering hits were given and taken, the pace was ferocious, the intensity was massive. This was what a final should be with the two best teams in hurling going toe-to-toe for 70 plus minutes producing five goals and 35 points. Credit both teams and credit referee Michael Wadding who merits mention for the sensible and fair way he allowed the players go about their business. While the near 82,000 crowd didn’t see history being made, the team of the ages denied, they did get to see a game for the ages. A distinct impression, too, of the baton being passed with this Tipperary team boasting five U21s in the starting line-up and another introduced before game’s end. Another dynasty in the making?