So, Michael 'Brostaigí' Bond is back as Offaly manager. Looks like the Loughrea college Principal is the only man able to keep a bit of 'smacht' on Johnny, Joe, Brian and the lads. In 1998, Michael did a good job with the Faithful County, in very difficult circumstances. However, AFR admits to a tinge of sadness at Pat Fleury's departure in circumstances where he had not yet been given a chance to prove his worth.

JBM will be sorely missed yet by Cork and one wonders what the real story is behind his departure. Perhaps after a rest for a year or so, he might be interested in taking over the Waterford job from his compatriot Gerald MacCarthy next year, when that decent man finally steps down ?