The training methods of the modern-day hurler have become a focus of attention since the emergence of Clare and the almost mythical status of Crusheen in the team's development. Tipperary manager Nicholas English is beginning to stack up his own catalogue of training hardships - in this week's Examiner it was reported that the Tipp team used boxing gloves in a training routine on Tuesday night, while already this season there has been talk of a middle-of-the-night training exercise at Templemore's Garda Training College (old stomping ground of Tipp selector Ken Hogan). Even on the team's morale-raising trip to Sunderland, Niall Quinn organised a pitch for the squad to train on. The original of the species, though, is Clare trainer Mike McNamara and he gave a fascinating insight to the origin of his training ideas in an interview with Joe O Muircheartaigh of the Clare Champion. McNamara's inspiration was the Australian touring rugby team of 1984. "They were phenomenal with their flexibility and fitness," he told the Champion. Rugby is only one of several diverse sources for his fitness plans, though. "I can even remember looking at cricket one day, studying the pace and power and twist of the ball and wondering how I might use that."

In Kerry, the double defection of Liam Flaherty and Eamonn Breen (who has since become a prodigal son) from Paidi O Se's squad didn't overly concern the Kerryman. Their prominent report on the week found no reason to suspect trouble in the camp and were instead eager to hail the return to the panel after injury of Mike Frank Russell, Mike Hassett, Pa Laide and John Crowley.