There will be a new name on the Allianz National Hurling League trophy for 2017.
We knew that already with Clare involved in a relegation / promotion battle with Dublin, which they won, but the elimination of Kilkenny and Waterford, who played out two thrilling All Ireland semi final games last year, does raise eyebrows.
Davy Fitzgerald has a proven track record of instant success wherever he goes at inter county level, and the magic is back, so far. The Sixmilebridge man guided Waterford to their first All Ireland Final appearance in 45 years in his first season in 2008, and back at his native Banner in 2013, he brought Clare to a Liam McCarthy Cup triumph in his second year in charge.
So for Wexford to run out 5 point winners on a scoreline of 2-18 to 0-19 over Kilkenny at Nowlan Park doesn't seem as seismic a shock as it should be. The Championship of course is the 'big show', but one gets the sense that the Cats face an uncertain road to the first Sunday in September.
Wexford's progression will be tested further in a semi final against All Ireland champions Tipperary in a fortnight. The Premier have silk and steel under Michael Ryan and a trouncing of Offaly is a statement of intent. Tipperary may be hard to pass in every competition in 2017.
The other semi final will see Galway play Limerick.
Joe Canning inspired a revival for Tribesmen, who came from 9 points down to hit 1-7 on the bounce and overhaul Waterford by 2-22 to 2-19 at Pearse Stadium. For Limerick, it was a productive day at Pairc Ui Rinn, as they edged Cork by 1-20 to 1-18.
One has to remember how well Galway performed in Micheal Donoghue's first season in charge in 2016, pushing Kilkenny and Tipperary in the Championship. For new Limerick boss John Kiely, any success so early would be a huge confidence boost and an indication the Shannonsiders are on the right path.
Since 2001, 7 of the League winners have gone on to taste All Ireland success in the same year. This is a statistic which is also a reflection of Kilkenny's dominance, but Tipperary's win in 2008 and Dublin's in 2011 were prescient signs of greater days ahead.
Are Wexford and Davy building new memories like these? Time will tell.
