On Sunday evening, I sat down to watch a bit of television. It’s like a pause before the drama of the working week. Long ago, we watched The Riordans before going back to boarding school. The rural drama took me all the way through school and college until graduation in 1979. Bracken filled the space until 1982. That year, Tim and I were married. Then we had Glenroe. More recently, we’ve had the heartwarming, raw and dramatic Normal People and The South Westerlies. While we are enduring and adhering to lockdown 2, we need light entertainment.

I was cutting out some laminated resources for school, so I let RTÉ One run on

I was looking forward to the well-publicised Dead Still, a new Sunday night drama, to carry us through a few weeks. I rushed around tidying up and was ready to soak up the latest RTÉ One offering. After five minutes, Tim was asleep. That was judgement enough on the programme. I struggled on. The views of Dublin were nice but the show that was billed as a comedy was flat, bewildering and disappointing. I will opt for Netflix next week.

I was cutting out some laminated resources for school, so I let RTÉ One run on. Finding Joy was the next offering. I’ve never managed to watch more than a few minutes of it. It is honestly the most unamusing, baffling drivel I’ve ever watched. How did this get as far as the TV screen? What has happened to Amy Huberman? Remember how brilliant she was in The Clinic, which ran from 2003 to 2009? It was another great Sunday night watch. Maybe I’m just getting old and cynical. I switched over to The Sunday Game.

GAA abú

Credit where credit is due: the championships are back, and the GAA and its people around the country are making sure the games get played safely and within the guidelines. The games bring welcome relief and dispel the feeling of isolation. We have something to talk about with friends and family.

When I chat with people on the phone; I find there is no news. Once the COVID-19 moan is over and the wellbeing of family members discussed, there are no topics. We are going nowhere; meeting no one. Settling down to watch the Tipperary and Limerick game in the semi-final of the Munster Hurling Championship was a real treat.

The digital programmes are also being produced to assist people’s enjoyment at home

A friend forwarded me the digital match programme. I wouldn’t have thought to look for it. The digital programmes are also being produced to assist people’s enjoyment at home. It took me a little while to get over the empty stadium and lack of a cheering crowd before being able to really concentrate on the field of play.

We were waiting for a few magic goals

The weather conditions were terrible, but it didn’t stop the 2018 and 2019 champions serving up some brilliant displays of hurling.

While Tipperary were behind, its supporters didn’t lose the faith until about 70 minutes! We were waiting for a few magic goals. Limerick were the better team. Championship being championship; it’s still all to play for. Tipp and Wexford have byes in the second round. I’m not sure that will be good for either team.

Fashion stars

At half-time, Henry and Donal Óg got into analysis. There was also a bit of “cat walking” going on; Henry wore a snazzy light grey coat, toned down with a predominately black and white striped scarf.

Then the camera slipped down behind the podiums, focusing on the legs. The camera man was having a bit of fun!

Donal Óg wore a dark slate coat with a distinguished patch-work cap and yellow, grey and white tartan patterned scarf. They were impressive.

Then the camera slipped down behind the podiums, focusing on the legs. The camera man was having a bit of fun! Henry held the look but, oh dear, Donal Óg’s black knee-high, shiny boots pulled his look down a peg. I guess he was prepared for the elements! Both men added to the game with their analysis and fashion sense. Still, we miss the tension in the chest, the anticipation of meeting like-minded people and the chance to have friendly rivalry.

Under 20s

Well done to the Tipperary under 20 team, who are into the semi-final. I’m looking forward to a resumption of this championship. My nephew, Conor Bowe, and his teammates served up a great game of hurling with Clare. It’s lovely to have a family member, a neighbour or someone from the parish to follow.

Full marks also to the GAA for their branded masks. A touch of class, indeed.