Jacob: How do you beat Cats? Go on attack

A few weeks ago Dublin beat Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final and the reigning All-Ireland and league champions, it was said, were on the ropes ready for the big knock out. One more big punch to put them out for the count.

Since then Tipperary got first opportunity and failed. Waterford had their chance, went to extra-time and failed. This Sunday in Thurles it’s the turn of Cork.

In 1976 another great Kilkenny team was on the crest of another great wave. Reigning All-Ireland champions, winners of the title for three of the previous four years and reigning league champions their Leinster campaign began with a huge semi-final win over Westmeath (5-22 to 1-12).