So much to win...so much to lose

CUSTOM dictates a piece like this should begin with the reigning champions.

In the circumstances custom can go hang. You want a few fine and flowery words about Tipperary? Then by the effect they’ve been having on Kilkenny shall ye know them.

Last September Tipperary raided Fort Knox. They immobilised the burglar alarms, they kicked in the windows, they overpowered the guards and they sacked the place, running off with the silverware. Nothing on Noreside has been quite the same since.