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SORRY Dublin and Kerry, but we needed a break. Apologies Limerick and Kilkenny, but we’ve been flirting with other teams. We love you all equally, but we’ve spent more than enough time together over the past decade or so to take a little breather.

We’d hate for our over-familiarity to turn into resentment — nobody wants that. What you have all given us has been truly special, from six-in-a-row specials to Drives for Five, David Clifford and TJ Reid. OK, Kilkenny, you boys haven’t won an All-Ireland since 2015, but the black and amber have always been part of our love affair with the beautiful game of hurling.



All four teams have taken our breath away in different ways but we were crying out for something new to really spice it up. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and all of that, and no doubt we’ll welcome you all back with open arms when the time comes. But new loves have blossomed, we’re head over heels and we don’t want the honeymoon phase to end.

Oh how we have waited for this — two All-Ireland finals where new winners will steal our hearts. Cork have been on the shelf since 2005, longing for this sort of adulation from their hurling public that wasn’t always there. Clare have been friend-zoned since 2013, always showing so much promise without sealing the deal.

Sunday’s hurling showpiece will be a phenomenal occasion. Croke Park will heave in a sea of red, saffron and blue. History shows the Rebels have piled on the anguish for their opponents, w.

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