THREE of the big sporting events of the year took place in September, and some of the intriguing clashes were off the field of play.

Various managerial styles and strokes were worked out to bring success. McGuinness against Fitzmaurice. Kerry took pages from Donegal’s book and beat them at their own game. O’Shea against Cody. Tipp holding fast at first, matching Kilkenny over the drawn game. Then as you feared, given another shot, crafty Cody filled the weak spots and pulled a few fresh strokes from the sidelines, Tipperary couldn’t match it and Kilkenny were champions again.

The Ryder Cup pitted Tom Watson against Paul McGinley and you might have expected the experienced American to have the upper hand.

But McGinley proved not ruthless but relentless, every player focused and in touch with the final objective and all in the best possible humour and spirit. Team Spirit in tonnes.

On the American side, the gulf between a pumped up Patrick Reed and a weary Watson was as wide as the Mull of Kintyre. Senior Americans failed to perform, and big Phil was the villain, attacking his captain as he sat just four seats away at the press conference.