There was consternation in Piltown this All-Ireland week, when the town’s water tower – a traditional vantage point for Kilkenny flags, was besieged by Waterford fans on Sunday night last.
The Black and Amber flags were removed in the dead of night and in their place were placed flags from the neighbouring Deise county.
Piltowners woke up in shock on Monday morning to see their favourite landmark sporting a shade of white and blue. Speculation has suggested that infiltrators from Portlaw, Carrickbeg or down the Suir in Waterford city were responsible for the ‘capture’.
‘Forces’ were mobilised in Piltown on Monday to rectify the situation, with a ladder climbed to remove the blue and white and replace it with its native Black and Amber.
A watch is now being kept to ensure there is no repeat occurrence between now and Sunday performance. But on a border like the Kilkenny/Waterford line, more flag incursions are expected.
In Waterford city, several construction cranes have had their blue and white flags removed, only to be replaced by Black and Amber.
Some motorists are going neutral by sporting a flag each. Flying your colours with pride is reaching fever pitch on both banks of the Suir ahead of Sunday’s hurling showpiece.
