Eight observations from the last two rounds of the hurling championship

EIGHT OBSERVATIONS: Tipperary hit the highest team score ever and in classic Liam Cahill style, went goal heavy. They became the first seven-goal team in 11 years. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

Five games left in one code, the other feels like it is only stirring. How did we get here? It is important for hurling to consider that for a moment.

The Munster hurling championship was extraordinary. There is no doubt the round-robin system only enhances a storied competition. That structure only came about because of Gaelic football. The Super 8s were going to dominate the summer, so the small ball had to exert itself in the earlier months. It suited the status quo. The early rounds of the football championship were dull. Hurling could capture hearts and minds during that window.