The Allianz Hurling League has drawn to a close, and with it comes that familiar mix of satisfaction, frustration, and anticipation that defines the inter-county season.
For players and supporters alike, the league is just a warm-up act. Now that it's over, all eyes turn firmly toward the championship where the stakes rise and every moment carries weight.
Throughout the league campaign, we’ve seen the usual blend of experimentation and intensity. Managers used the early rounds to blood new talent, test tactical systems, and build squad depth.
For younger players, it was an opportunity to stake a claim and show they belong at the highest level.
The likes of Aaron Niland, Diarmuid Stritch, Barry Walsh, Liam Moore and Aidan O’Connor have set out their stalls that they want and are good enough to be handed a starting jersey or will be seeing significant game-time over the coming championship weeks.
For established stars, it was about sharpening form and building momentum. On Sunday it was the old dogs that were the shining lights - form is permanent,class is forever.
Shane O’Donnell for Clare and Aaron Gillane for Limerick prove this age old saying to be true once again.
Limerick will look back on their league run with real satisfaction. Silverware, of course, is always welcome, and lifting a national title - no matter the time of year - provides a psychological boost heading into the championship weeks.
Momentum is a powerful force in sport, and teams who have found consistency over the spring will feel they are building towards something meaningful.
Dublin, whilst they lost, have found consistency and I really do feel they will build on this for the Leinster round-robin.
Tactically, the league also gave us plenty to think about. Short puck-outs have now become standard in each game and the days of long booming puck-outs are few and far between.
The target now for the majority is to try and ping a player inside 60 yards and build the attack from half back or midfield.
The second thing is in relation to the centre-back and what exactly their role or onfield position should be.
Look at Limerick's William O’Donoghue sitting and protecting the full-back line on Sunday which should have allowed Shane Barrett to find extra space but he failed to capitalise on this which he normally would.
Flipside of that and Eoin Downey followed and pretty much nullified Aidan O’Connor from open play but what this did allow then was a lot of space left in front of Gillane which the Limerick suppliers capitalised on.
So if you sit, their number 11 could go to town. If you follow, they could really exploit the space left.
Did Clare, in the 1B final against Dublin, show too much of what their secret weapon is on Sunday in relation to their full-forward line?
2-15 on the board by half-time with 2-13 coming from their lethal inside-three who rotated in and out, moved brilliantly and seamlessly and the connection between them was a joy to watch from the highest vantage point in the Mackey Stand.
What we witnessed was impossible to see on TV but the way they intertwined their play and runs was something they will no doubt try to tap into versus Waterford and beyond.
But what if this is snuffed out - where to then for Clare?
If I was in the opposition camp watching on as this unfolded on Sunday, I would be strongly considering sitting a 'plus one' defender in that space, or else asking your half back line to sit deeper and demand a massive workrate from midfield and the half-forward line to work back where and when needed.
But like that 'sitting six' role you are providing a template for the opposition half-forward line to go to town if - and it’s a big if - they can make use of this extra freedom.
Some counties have clearly embraced these changes, while others are still finding the balance between tradition and innovation. The championship will reveal which approaches hold up under real pressure.
Players will now fine-tune their preparation, knowing that the real tests lie ahead. Training sessions become sharper, analysis becomes more detailed, and the mental side of the game comes into sharper focus.
For supporters, this is the time to start believing. The league may offer hints, but the championship writes the story.
Old rivalries will be renewed, new heroes will emerge, and unforgettable moments will be created. That’s the magic of it.
So while the league has given us plenty to talk about - moments of brilliance, surprise results, and valuable lessons - it ultimately serves as a prelude. The real drama is yet to unfold. Hopefully it won't rise or fall too quickly for any team.
Watch the Camogie League finals, Clare v Dublin (12.15pm) and Waterford v Galway (2.15pm) on Sunday from 12pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to Sunday Sport from 2pm on RTÉ Radio 1
Watch Armagh v Tyrone in the Ulster Football Championship on Sunday from 4pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
Watch The Sunday Game from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on all matches on the RTÉ News app and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
