After a free weekend, we were back at it again on Sunday.

We lost.

But I think there was a learning in that defeat – the first half was played at a level of intensity and desire that has often been lacking in the other games.

At the end of the first half, it was 4 points each – each one of our points was hard won, each one of theirs a gift from us to them.

And then there was the referee…

We lost and that’s all that matters, right?

Wrong.

The team played with fierce pride and passion and it was a pure joy to watch.

We are better than the last three games suggest and maybe we will need a few more defeats before we can truly learn, but it felt like a “good” defeat, even though the players won’t see it like that.

The GAA is a wonderful thing and on game day you can find yourself in the most beautiful of surroundings – like Gortin and Plumbridge.

And a wee place called Rouskey along on the way.