WE

are supposed to sing the glories of the club game at this time of year. Dr Crokes and Corofin, the 2017 and 2018 champions, are in action in provincial finals today.

The latter is an enduring force from a rural parish, the former is inspired, still, by Colm Cooper.

Yet the Munster and Connacht finals take place on the last Sunday in November, after days of torrential rain. And the games will pass most of the country by.

The club game should be treasured, but it’s not.