MOSTLY HURLING: These are the views of the grassroots in the county and it would be a mistake for the board to go against them

THE AUGUST weekend is with us and the hurling championship is on a break so it’s time to reflect on matters hurling, hurling-related and otherwise.

Down on Leeside the recently-presented Cork GAA clubs’ interim report has made excellent reading. This document is written in simple English; it is clearly laid out and most importantly, it contains a blueprint for the development of many GAA issues within the county. It’s a credit to all the people who sat at many meetings and crafted a paper so comprehensive that secretary Denis Winthers, chairperson Tomás Ryan and PRO John Corcoran might be asked to handle the next tribunal (probably a banking one) or to oversee the layman’s guide to the Lisbon Treaty manuscript.

Reports recently showed the 15 highest paid legal counsels at the Mahon, Moriarty and Morris tribunals have earned € 57.45 million between them so far. The Morris tribunal was completed after seven years, while the Mahon and Moriarty tribunals have been running for 12 years so far.

This document, which only took a matter of months to complete, doesn’t contain any legal-speak and is laid out in a really easy-to-follow format. It’s divided into three sections, Democratic Structures, Communication Issues and Development Issues, with wide-ranging proposals for change in all areas and specific reference is made to the by-laws that need amending to enact some of the changes.

It’s really hoped the Cork County Board accept it as constructive criticism and act accordingly. These are the views of the grassroots in Cork and the biggest mistake the board would make would be to stifle the club forum and fight against their proposals. The future needs to be embraced with openness. The GAA within the county need to move with the times. The document could be the key to a future that could make Cork the envy of every other county. As the old saying goes, Ní neart go cur le chéile . . . There’s strength in unity.

Staying with recent publications, the Munster hurling final match programme has to come in for special mention. Editor Ger Corbett has to be complimented for overseeing a top-class production full of variety, history, facts, contemporary information, colour, quizzes and, of course, all the big-match facts and figures .

It was also great to read an account of the behind-the-scenes work on match day and the role played by new stadium caretaker Philly Butler, who has taken over from that gentleman Jimmy Purcell. It was also good to see long-time RTÉ floor manager and good guy Tadhg De Brún in front of the camera for a change.

Thurles stadium, with its many cheerful volunteers, is a very welcoming venue on match day. There’s always a friendly atmosphere and a cup of tea is never too far away. They might want to up the ante in the in-house music department, though. To quote Bob Dylan “For the times they are a changin”. Most venues in the country could do with commissioning a bit of advice on the crochets and quavers front. Recently that extremely gifted quiet guy Mick Flannery and the equally talented and not so quiet John Spillane brought the house down in the Marquee, within earshot of Páirc Uí Chaoimh in Cork. Their next move should be on to the playlist on county final day, then on to the Thurles interval entertainment list for the next big game. They’ll then be fit enough to enter Croke Park in a blaze of glory on All-Ireland final day and put U2 in the shade and not a claw in sight.

So the time is now for a bit of Blur, Snow Patrol, Kings of Leon or The Killers. We probably aren’t ready yet though for Deadmaus, Tiga, Dr Lektroluv or Discobloodbath but with a by-law change at a special congress anything is possible.

It is time though, to mix the old with the new in musical terms. Come on Thurles, be the pioneers once again.

If you're finished reading the match programmes you might try David Peace's The Damned United, the fictionalised story of Brian Clough's 44-day reign as Leeds United boss in the early '70s. I know it's been out for a while and was recently made into a film but it's a fascinating read for a long weekend. If you get through that and the rain continues you might try The Shadow of the Wind(not a recent publication either) by Carlos Luis Zafón. This is a novel of stories within stories, each a thriller in itself and is a great read, in my opinion. His latest overhyped offering The Angel's Gameisn't nearly as good.

Back on the playing field and back to Thurles where Galway and Dublin made somewhat unexpected exits from this year’s championship. Limerick’s experience and Gavin O’Mahony’s excellent free-taking proved to be the difference between the sides.

In the second game Galway’s over-elaboration and the concession of 22 frees didn’t help their cause. The Déise played with pride and passion from the beginning. Their management made some good changes, with the introduction of the Shanahan brothers having a major impact on the final result.

Often the performance and influence of the netminders isn’t sufficiently acknowledged but on Sunday last again we saw four dependable, influential goalkeepers being ultra-reliable on a day when the stakes were high. These guys have to be very strong mentally.

Colm Callanan in the Galway goal couldn’t be faulted for Waterford’s decisive goal, while Gary Maguire, with great saves from Paudie McNamara and Paul Browne, was proficient all through.

Clinton Hennessy has been a seventh back for Waterford for the last number of years. He’s brave and intelligent and is always available to take a pass from his defenders.

But last weekend Limerick’s Brian Murray was the goalkeeper who showed the most mental strength. Remember, he conceded a goal within the first minute. But he kept his nerve, showed no outward emotion and just pucked out the sliotar. After that he did all he was required, scored a really important goal from a penalty and finished the game with a good save from Dublin substitute Kevin Flynn.

Congrats to manager John Minogue and Clare on a well-deserved first under-21 Munster title on Wednesday night. After a shaky start they turned in a top-class, spirited and skilful performance to deny Waterford in a highly-entertaining game. Clare hurling badly needed this result and the performance opens a window of hope for future Clare senior sides. Hopefully we’ll see Eamonn Glynn, Enda Barrett, Nicky O’Connell (who scored three magnificent long-range frees of the Seánie McMahon variety), John Conlon, Cormac O’Donovan and goal king Darach Honan stepping up to senior level before long .

So now as August approaches we look forward to talk of recession, rain, interest rates, consumer sentiment, taxes, welfare, minimum wage, Nama, An Bord Snip Nua, Ikea, surprises, underdogs, retribution, tickets, four in a row, hats, flags, colours, Croke Park and the Final Countdown.

What exciting times we live in.