I suppose I shouldn’t feel too upset.  After all, almost every year, Munster receives a hiding from Leinster in the Celtic League and we might as well get it over and done with now before the matches become too crucial.  Last season, for example, we dished out a hiding to them both home and away. We were smiling at the time, but it was only delaying the inevitable lashback which was bound to be even more painful than normal and, of course, it came just when Munster were looking like a shoo-in for their third European crown.

I didn’ t watch the match.  I don’t subscribe  to any of the sports-events hijack stations, Irish or foreign. I don’t agree with that crooked racket any more than the one that allows one company to hijack the right to make a replica jersey for 2c in China and then sell it on to the hapless fan for €70, all the while forcing him/her to advertise their product for free like a sandwich-board person.  Besides, it gives me a good excuse to go down to the pub.

So, roll on the return match in Thomond next April and let’s hope that the opportunity will be there for some more revenge in the European Cup.

“My Father: A Hurling Revolutionary, the life and times of Ned Power” is out on paperback at the end of November 2009.  Click here for further information, pre-order and excerpt.