How to survive and win in the GAA's winter wars

Shapers need not apply. The lad with the hair gel and disco trousers in the kitbag who will run you up 1-4 in a challenge match? He’s not your guy. Not this year.

A Waterford player makes his way out for the start of the game. Waterford Crystal Cup Quarter-Final, Limerick v Waterford. John Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick. Picture credit: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE

It's been a long time coming, but now the Gaelic Games fraternity and sorority can legitimately opine on the abilities of teams to ‘do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke.’ Or something similar.

‘Winter football’ is the new ‘senior hurling’ go-to catchphrase. In the muck and the gutters you require a less fussy type of operator.