Some traditions refuse to fade away

The American author Mark Lawrence once said “anything that you cannot sacrifice, pins you”.

I’d swear that he never heard of the GAA let alone be so adept at concocting a phrase that defines our many traditions.

The selection of ‘best player in each of the 15 playing positions in Gaelic football and hurling’ has, since officially formalised in 1971, raised questions over selection. The 2013 collection has lived up to the predictable traditions.