In that hinterland between the All-Ireland final and the beginning of another National League, hurling tends to remain to the forefront of many minds.
Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh are no different.
Tasked with picking their best XV of the last 25 years, Ó Muircheartaigh summarised the long tradition they were keeping alive:
During the winter, a lot of hours have passed picking teams like that. Whether it be in houses, churches, pubs or anything, it happens - and there's never agreement on it.
Each picking their own preferred XV beforehand, the legendary Cork hurler and famed commentator met in Croke Park to attempt to reach some sort of consensus.
With a spread of players coming from eight different counties, both men managed to find some common ground on a few unquestionable selections; Henry Shefflin, JJ Delaney, and, with protestations against his own involvement, Brian Whelahan.
A short video documenting two men discussing their love for hurling, this might just get you through the remaining months of winter in tact.
You can watch it below. One way or another it will get you thinking.
Spoiler alert: Full XV can be seen below video.
Seán Óg Ó hAilpín & Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh's Best XV:
Goalkeeper:
Donal Óg Cusack (Cork)
Full Back Line:
JJ Delaney (Kilkenny)
Brian Lohan (Clare)
Diarmuid O'Sullivan (Cork)
Half Back Line:
Tommy Walsh (Kilkenny)
Brian Corcoran (Cork)
Brian Whelahan (Offaly)
Midfield:
Ken McGrath (Waterford)
Ciaran Carey (Limerick)
Half Forward Line:
DJ Carey (Kilkenny)
Joe Canning (Galway)
Ben O'Connor (Cork)
Full Forward Line:
Eddie Brennan (Kilkenny)
Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny)
Eoin Kelly (Tipperary)
