There are several sporting battlegrounds to keep an eye on this weekend. The GAA's All Ireland Club Finals kick off our national holiday in fine style at Croke Park. Ulster kingpins Slaughtneil looking to overcome Dr. Crokes featuring one of the greatest gaelic football forwards of his generation - Colm Cooper. But Slaughtneil have stars of their own.
In the hurling decider, the 'Fancy Dans' from Dalkey in Dublin are getting set to face the Banner boys Ballyea, population 600. A Clare village which doesn't even have a pub! But they do have Tony Kelly. A horse of a hurler who will take some marking. Which begs the question 'what influence the Kelly factor'?
Ireland also getting set to play England this weekend in the Aviva Stadium with Eddie Jones' side looking to steamroll the locals as they sweep all before them this season. There was a time when any team with Paul O'Connell in it would worry any opposition and the playing ghost of the Limerickman looks to be hanging over this fixture. His impact was even more telling in the changing room.
Great video analysis being done by Ben Teo this week. #fearofgod #manicaggression pic.twitter.com/U7z2QiI62a
— Donn O Sullivan (@DonnOSullivan) March 14, 2017
I presume we are all familiar with Paul O'Connell's manic aggression contributions?.
That was pre Ireland v France in the 2007 Six Nations, pre-game dressing room footage when the Lions Captain put the fear of God into his team mates.
In the game of analytics played nowadays experts say there is no point in banging hurleys off walls or shouting and roaring.
I'm sure O' Connell's contribution was telling though. There must be a huge value in having someone who can enhance team spirit and morale both on and off the pitch. That all raises lots of questions.
Is the Tony Kelly factor likely to power the country boys to victory? Will the absence of a Paul O'Connell figure impact Ireland's rugby team who are now only playing for pride? and will the Gooch be the decisive difference against Slaughtneil?
I never thought I would find myself quoting an ex US Secretary of Defence but in the words of Donald Rumsfeld 'there are known knowns and known unknowns'.
We'll be wiser on all of the above by the time the weekend is out. Today FM will keep you posted on the answers.
In the meantime you can take note of Donald Rumsfeld remarks for when your boss puts you on the spot asking you for your opinion on tricky matters at your next management meeting. You're welcome!
