Championship heats up in the noise of no more chances

No more second chances.

As sporting events around Europe or the world went last week not many matched the atmosphere experienced in the Gaelic Grounds.

It had it all. The setting, the pitch like the carpet in the good room that you were never allowed into as a child, the pre-game music from Paddy Casey, Mundy and Sharon Shannon and the place basking in sunshine when rain was forecast. Even the weather Gods opted not ruin this most special of days.

The players gave it their all and the human side of these athletes showed us that they get nervous too.

Who wouldn't in an environment like it and as a result there were more mistakes made than we are used to seeing when these two clash.

Hurling-wise last year's Munster final was arguably a better game but such are the high expectations we now have for Limerick and Clare games.

It was a brilliant occasion and a joy to be there to witness it all and afterwards on the pitch as the GAA theme tune of Freed from Desire was belted out amongst a sea of green. It was like being in a massive nightclub at 4pm in the day.

Memories for life are being created by these Limerick players for their following.

Let’s not forget that nerves and mistakes and human nature apply to the officials here too who also had to perform in that cauldron. But refereeing the Munster hurling final has now nearly become a poisoned chalice.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't. John Keenan let it flow last year, did a great job in everyone's eyes except the people that matter most do and didn't see another game that year.

Liam Gordon blew a lot more last Sunday and who knows what directive he was given? I met supporters on both sides on the way out of the Gaelic Grounds last Sunday and neither were happy with the man in