Conas atá sibh go léir inniu hurling nation. This weekend the microwave hurling championship is the sos beag from the Liam MacCarthy given over to the development competitions, so it gives us a chance to discuss those.
We've the Christy Ring Cup, the Nickey Rackard and the Lory Meagher competitions. Like the Joe McDonagh, named after great men who played in great teams.
Hurling's tiered championship is a good idea which falls short of being a great idea. For example we had a wonderful Joe McDonagh last weekend - Carlow squeezed out Offaly. The scallion-eating people rejoiced just as they did when Carlow won the first Joe McDonagh back in 2018. That's good but it's also a problem.
We've ebb and flow instead of development.
Carlow have the Joe McDonagh won twice; Antrim have won twice; Kerry have been in the competition every single year and have lost three finals, have never been relegated and never in the bottom two. Westmeath lost the first two Joe McDonagh finals; they won the fourth edition in 2021 but next year they're back in the Joe McDonagh.
The tiered hurling championship is a good system but it needs to be better. Counties in hurling deserve a leg up. Hurling needs a long-term strategic plan, with proper financial investment in an effort to create more top-level competitive hurling counties than exist today.
In the meantime, enjoy the matches.
Derry play Meath in the Christy Ring Cup final; that's top of the bill in Croke Park. Meath are the form team and we are backing them for a win and promotion.
The Nickey Rackard final pairs Donegal and Wicklow. We're thinking the cup goes to the Garden County.
The Lory Meagher is an international affair between Monaghan and Lancashire. Monaghan had a few points to spare when they met in the round-robin in Birmingham so they start as favourites.
Finally, Sunday brings two cracking underage finals in Thurles. Cork and Offaly meet in the Under-20 final. Offaly have brought through many of last year's fine minor team but Cork have been hardened in Munster, though. This might be a year too early for Offaly.
At minor level, Clare and Galway meet. Galway's full-forward line has been the talk of the championship, reminiscent of the Carter, Carey and Ronan days and if they hold their nerve that should give them the edge.
That's all for this week comrades. Enjoy the fare!
Dónal Óg Cusack was speaking on RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland
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