Data Links Kilkenny to Recession

23rd Mar 2010

Economists researching the Irish recession and depression have concluded their research and published some new startling evidence. It has been shown that the decline in the fortunes of the Irish economy can be directly correlated with Kilkenny's All-Ireland final winning margins.

Known in most hurling strongholds as the Evil County many economists and GAA fans have been suspicious that Kilkenny's reputation as a Fianna Fail stronghold was linked with the dramatic collapse of the banks and fat 'cat' corruption.

This new evidence compiled by a groundbreaking new supercomputer program that scientists are calling 'Excel' reveals some startling similarities between the Cats victories in All-Ireland finals and the nation's world GDP ranking. See important looking graph.

Waterford's pathetic showing in the 2008 final resulted in a 27 point drubbing but simultaneously Ireland's world GDP ranking hit 212nd. The lowest Ireland has dipped to in over 4,000 years of records.

Last year's narrow win against Tipperary kept the economy in recession but may indicate that the worst is now over.

It was no surprise then that the ESRI revised their economic forecast a few hours after Cork beat Kilkenny in Pairc Úi Chaoimh just 10 days ago.

Cautious but optimistic ERSI economist Peter O'Toole said:

"There are green shoots certainly and the signs of a recovery are certainly there ….but we are conscious that it's still only the league".

Kilkenny's All Ireland Final Winning Margins
2006: V Cork (3 points)
2007: V Limerick (7 points)
2008: V Waterford (23 points)
2009: V Tipperary (5 points)