The South Tipperary by-election moved to Cork yesterday as, in truth, there wasn't much point in the politicians or their election teams staying at home when all the voters had a clear first preference.
Local politics was simply no match for a Munster championship hurling clash between Tipperary and Clare at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. The only thing to do was head south and set up stall outside the home of Cork hurling as the crowds began to arrive in their thousands.
Not even by-election give-aways, though, could impress the expectant Tipperary fans, who made up a good percentage of the 39,205 spectators at the match.
The Fianna Fail candidate, Mr Barry O'Brien, had his office flash out news of a £1 million refurbishment of Kickham Barracks in Clonmel and while the news, no doubt, was well received in the town, it found a less receptive audience in the precincts of Pairc Ui Chaoimh.
The Labour candidate, Ms Ellen Ferris, opted not to go to Cork and handed out leaflets instead on the road between Tipperary town and Golden. Pressing the flesh though outside the ground on her behalf was Jim Keating, brother of the legendary Tipperary hurler, Babs.
Fine Gael's Senator John Hayes was not to be outdone. He arrived at the stadium with his cousin, Joe Hayes, another Tipperary great, and former Kerry footballer, Jimmy Deenihan, just to make sure.
A defeat for Tipperary might have coloured the view of the voters and led to charges of the politicians muscling in on the big day. In the event, Tipperary recorded an emphatic victory, setting up a Munster final meeting with Cork.