St Thomas’ short puckout was poorly executed — after going short, it ended up back with goalkeeper James Barrett. That’s what these big club hurling battles can showcase – latent class and talent that the wider hurling community haven’t really heard about up to this point. They nearly did but, the way in which they went about their business, summed up the massive ambition within Slaughtneil. That’s the Kilkenny way but it’s that kind of desire and passion that gives meaning to the magic of hurling. Another Kilkenny-Tipperary All-Ireland final may not sound like a fairytale but hurling is one giant fairytale when you have days like yesterday.

Source: Irish Examiner January 06, 2020 11:48 UTC