I do, and often have before, shown empathy for forestry owners whose plantations have been affected by ash dieback disease.

However, now I’d like to extend my sympathies to those who play the game of hurling and have broken a hurley in recent times.

The cost of a new hurl is now starting at €40 and only stopping at €60 for certain styles. A local camogie player told me she paid €80 for two 31-inch hurleys over the weekend – and gone are the days of the club paying for your new one or getting one mended for you, she tells me.