As a man who led hurling's revolution years, Ger Loughnane has always had an appreciation for the nuances and intricacies of political systems and ideologies. "I don't think Henry Kissinger would have lasted a week on the Munster Council", is one memorable example.
He has turned to the other side of the Cold War divide in his latest Star column, which he dedicates to rubbishing Clare's style of play since the 2013 All-Ireland wins.
As regards portents of future dominance, there have been fewer dawns more false than Clare's win in 2013. They've yet to hurl at Croke Park in the championship since.
The 2013 squad has been eroded, with six of the team that played in the final replay now retired. Aside from those however, Loughnane questions why the remaining players have struggled to find form. He attributes it to the style of play and the demands placed on players at training, which he claims is curbing their enthusiasm.
The formulaic way in which Clare have been playing for five years now has had a deadening effect.
It's like the days of communism behind the Iron Curtain. Everyone on an assembly line doing the same job for the same pay. That just saps the spirit from people.
Those Clare players should be at their peak, but there has been an unconscious withdrawal of effort.
Hurling men of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose except the shackles.
The full column is worth a read in today's Irish Daily Star.
