The start that Championship 2017 so badly needed
The conceit that the summer of 2017 might equate to little more than a lap of honour for Tipperary was thrown into doubt by the events of the league final; it’s been thoroughly exploded now. Michael Ryan’s men will not be front-door champions again, meaning all sorts of permutations have opened up. Cork’s victory will act as a beacon for the aspirant classes — and for no county more so than Wexford. Imagine what Davy Fitz will be saying to his troops over the next few days. This was precisely the start Championship 2017 needed and one that the GAA and the media couldn’t have scripted better. Fireworks, bangs, booms, and the thump of champions falling.
