The way our year is structured now works okay for the clubs consistently challenging in the latter stages of competitions, but it’s not much good to the clubs that endure early exits, with their championship involvement more or less over as soon as it commenced.

Seamie Callanan traded heavily in goals and brilliant flashes of skill, but he stocked a lot more in his locker.

We should never underestimate the fuel that the previous year's pain can provide to push groups to higher levels of performance

Eight of the last 10 meetings between Galway and Tipp have been settled by two points or less. And nearly every one has given us moments to treasure, whatever side of the bridge you’re on

I’d imagine John Kiely will be heartened by the fighting spirit his team has shown in losing by the minimum to Clare and battling to the bitter end to secure a point last Sunday

Momentum the big prize in the Páirc, not a place in Cork-Tipp folklore.

After an underwhelming league with most teams prioritising the odd performance but ultimately building squad strength, what are the priorities for the Liam MacCarthy contenders?

There were times we sparked off each other. But we got to know each other and over time we connected and struck up a strong bond.

Call it The Retention Game: It has never been more important to keep children involved in sports, whatever that chosen sport may be

Everyone wants the game played on their terms, to impose their system and style. Reacting to what develops in front of you is crucial.