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.