YOU must always expect the unexpected when it comes to Munster SHC final day. Match traffic was already chaotic on the meander down through the midlands as Birr was awash with proud Offaly flags from their All- Ireland Under-20 triumph the week before. And once you hit Templemore below in Tipperary, the cars were at a crawl.
Hurling’s pilgrims dumped their wagons wherever they saw fit as soon as Tom Semple’s sod was within walking distance. Entrepreneurial farmers waved cars into fields as cattle provided security. It’s a good thing they didn’t see the throngs of burger vans in the town! The square was awash with colour as the streets were lined with hats, scarves, headbands and plastic pints.
An old college friend and Feakle’s finest, Denice McNamara, was making her way inside when I roared at her from the car but she never heard me among the masses. A quick text accused her of going to the game with no colours on but she promptly replied with a saffron and blue selfie which had been hidden under a jacket. Hurling’s home was rammed an hour before throw-in, or at least the initial time the match was due to start.
The traffic delayed us but not too much and we made our way to the press box for that beautiful view from the top of the Kinnane Stand. Kilkenny GAA secretary and all-round good guy Séamus Reade was in his seat and told us the power was out. He was naturally accused of pulling the plug to sabotage Munster’s big day after the Cats secured safe passage .
