42.
It's "the meaning of life" if you are to believe a certain popular book series released in the 1980s.
It's also the number of the controversial GAA rule that was modified in 2005 to allow foreign sports to be played in Gaelic Games venues, with Irish international soccer and rugby games then played in Croke Park.
While in Japan, the number 42 is considered to be unlucky as the numerals were pronounced individually. According to the ever-reliable Wikipedia, "shi ni (four two)—shi ni (four two)—sound like the word "dying", like the Latin word "mori".
In order to suit this writer's intentions, we might lean on the Japanese relationship with the number 42.
Since 1982, West Waterford ladies' football powerhouse Ballymacarbry have won every county final they have played in.
During that time they have flown the Waterford flag with pride both in Munster and in the All-Ireland series. If you look at the roll of honour in both competitions, Ballymac block out significant portions of the tables.
Ten All-Ireland titles in 12 years - seven of those coming consecutively - while 15 Munster titles fill their cabinet in the Nire Valley.
So, why 42?
Well, if Ballymac retain their title on Sunday afternoon, it would set a record 42 straight titles, but here comes that Japanese pessimism. Is 42 going to be their unlucky number?
History tells us one story, but recent form points in another direction.
Give someone an inch and they'll try to take a mile.
Comeragh Rangers got their inch back in August when they beat Ballymac 2.08 to 0.04 in the group stage of the competition. They've been boosted by the arrival of former county title-winning manager with Rathgormack, Ger Power, who has plenty of experience in getting teams over the line in their hunt for silverware.
When the sides faced off at the Dungarvan GAA Club grounds last year, Ballymac retained the title (Number 41), beating their neighbours by 12 points.
Some weeks ago, the tables were turned with Rangers 10 points to the good at the full-time whistle.
All things - good or bad - come to an end.
Whether this is the end of a good thing or a bad thing probably depends on what which side of the Comeraghs you happen to call home.
Ballymac have the experience, and despite all the odds, they still have the hunger too, but when a contender has managed to lay a damaging punch on the champion's jaw in their first contest, the rematch tends to be all the more spicy.
Throw in at Lemybrien on Sunday is at 4 o'clock. WLR will be bringing you updates throughout the afternoon thanks to Tomás McCarthy.
