Dish ear

Yes, folks, that time of year is almost upon us once more. While there are many hints to let you know that it's championship time again, one factor always seems to stand out for me to confirm that the real stuff is on again. No, it's not that godawful theme tune they have on the Sunday Game Live, nor is it Ger Canning's heroically inept commentaries nor, at the other end of the spectrum, is it Michael O Muircheartaigh's melodious audio offerings. It's not even the return of that overbearing buffoon Jimmy Magee to the radio show. Instead, it's a little matter relating to the diction employed by the lads in front of the camera who, invariably, keep making references to something that sounds like dish ear. It goes something like this: "Well now, Joe Brolly, what's different about Donegal dish ear?" or "I don't think he's the same player dish ear" or "they'll be a force to be reckoned with dish ear". You get the idea. Listen carefully this Sunday and when you hear those magic words for the first time, you'll know that the race for the Sam (and for the Liam, it works for hurling too) is back on in earnest.