Adrian Russell

In the news last week a media storm brewed because, apparently, our college students are being awarded higher marks than ever.

Though politicians and captains of industry bemoaned the perceived dumbing down in third-level out-put, sports fans could not but applaud improving standards in our students' hurling.

Surely, this is a golden age of college hurling. On Saturday, at Pearse Stadium, NUI Galway put the mortar board on a memorable Sigerson Cup campaign with a thrilling win over a really unlucky Waterford IT. After a gruelling week,  John Conlon rifed over the winning point in the 82nd minute to clinch a sensational 1-17 to 1-16 win and bring an end to three decades of disappointment on their home turf.

And tomorrow, Harty Cup finalists Thurles CBS and Ardscoil Rís will have to do it all again as they left the pitch in Nenagh on Saturday to a standing ovation after an epic 2-21 to 4-15 stalemate after extra time. It means repeating the exam for these young men, but goes to show the wonderful college fare on offer at the moment. 

And now for your homework; tell us what was the greatest college game you witnessed? Or perhaps you starred as a schoolboy, in one of the great clashes between the famous hurling nurseries?

Eyes on your own work now...