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MOSTLY HURLING:Anthony Daly’s Dublin have made progress but are still some way short of Kilkenny’s standard, writes JOHN ALLEN

SO THE story goes, the Philistine army (Kilkenny) had gathered for war against Israel (Dublin). The two armies faced each other, camped for battle on opposite sides of a steep valley. A Philistine giant (Tommy, no maybe Henry or Eoin or Martin or . . . .) measuring over nine feet tall and wearing full armour (the black and amber kind) came out each day for 40 days (make that a fortnight), mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight. His name was actually Goliath (a fine traditional name for a chap in those days). Saul (read Anthony), the King of Israel, and the whole army were terrified of Goliath (even though they let on they weren’t).