Boring pubs, jumpy legs, Midleton and Glen Rovers: A boy watches his first county final

Tadhg Coakley's ode to the Cork hurling final

Midleton captain Conor Lehane and players celebrate after defeating Glen Rovers in the Co-Op Superstores Cork Premier SHC final at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Picture: Eddie O'Hare

Midleton are playing Glen Rovers in the county final. It’s your first time in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Your cousin Sean was there before, for the semi-final — but he’s 10, and you’re only six.

Your friend Evan is coming too. He’s the best hurler in your class, but you’re faster at running.