Season starts in August in year of few real highlights

HONESTLY? It’s been a poor year for football.

And the hype surrounding Kilkenny’s drive for five this month has further dampened the build-up to Sunday’s blue-riband football event.

Tyrone’s demolition of Monaghan and Kerry’s ability to outlast Cork were the season high points before Martin Sludden and Joe Sheridan hijacked the agenda in July. Kildare threatened to burst from the undergrowth, but ultimately the significant movement came from Down.