Kilkenny intermediates’ great victory over Dublin after extra time last Saturday afternoon means once again it's a clean sweep of provincial titles. This achievement in itself would satisfy most hurling counties, but in Kilkenny the players are only too aware that their greatness is judged on their ability to land All-Ireland titles. Pressure it may be but that's the reality you face when you pull on the famous black and amber shirt. This Sunday, both the seniors and minors head to Croker hoping they can get the job done which would give them a tilt at All-Ireland glory.
Sounds easy doesn't it! Kilkenny/Cork (senior ), Kilkenny/Tipperary (minor ) are never easy to call as most encounters invariably go down to the wire with often only a puck of a ball being the difference between success and failure. Ah, our seniors greatness won't be questioned either way after next Sunday’s result - win, lose or draw they have been terrific over the last decade, it's now more a case of trying to cap off a vintage period in Kilkenny hurling.
Yes the 3-in-a-row may be within arm’s reach but next Sunday will be an All-Ireland in itself. We have witnessed some epic battles down the years between these two sides and I expect next Sunday’s to be no different. Since '99 we have met four times at championship level and the record stands at two apiece. Both sides have prevented each other from completing the 3-in-a-row this decade; the shoe is now firmly on Cork's foot this time around to do the blocking.
The main focus of attention ahead of this game seems to be around the starting of Diarmuid ‘The Rock’ O’Sullivan. However, his ability to man the edge of the square has been called into question after two mediocre displays against both Galway and Clare. The Rock has been such a colossus over the years, for a big guy that always looked to be carrying a pound or two more than he ought, he has stood the test of time well.
Cork may have their great Rock at fullback for the last decade but we also have a Rock in the shape of Noel Hickey who looks almost certain to start next Sunday after months of being plagued with hamstring injuries. There have been some great full backs in recent times namely O'Sullivan, Lohan, Fanning, Kinahan, Curran etc, but there's no way we'd swap Hickey for any of the aforementioned stars. Noel is a no-frills player, just tough and commanding like a good fullback should be, he's a guy that for some reason is feared by most forwards and his presence is invaluable. Sunday will see the release of JJ to the halfback line where he will be needed to pick up the elusive Ben O'Connor. By now most of the Kilkenny team will pick itself. Michael Fennelly's absence through injury will mean a new midfield partner for ‘Cha’ Fitz is needed - assuming Jackie Tyrrell reverts to his more customary role at cornerback, Derek Lyng will be favourite to reclaim his old spot, if not James Ryall and Michael Rice might come into the mix.
If Lyng is given a vote of confidence it will mean an opening up front for someone. By all accounts, Aidan Fogarty is flying in training, he has a good track record against Cork (man of the match All-Ireland '06 ), I know sentiment won't swing it for him but he did look lively and hungry when introduced against Wexford. Eoin Reid, Willie O'Dwyer and young Richie Hogan can't be too far away either and on any given day any of these guys could be match-winners.
Both counties head the 'Roll of Honour' when it comes to All-Ireland titles, after next Sunday only one will have the chance to add to their tally of 30. These two teams have taken very different paths to this semi-final, Kilkenny the conventional route, courtesy of their Leinster final win over Wexford, while Cork have been the come-back kings this season.
I think it's fair to say that Kilkenny would have expected to find themselves in this position with both Wexford and Offaly in transition at present; Kilkenny did find the going tough in the first half of both games before showing their true worth. There seems very little difference tactic-wise between now and that of the '06 final, especially in Cork's case they still do their best hurling when allowed to run at teams. Players like Ben O'Connor, Tom Kenny and Cathal Naughton will run all day and create havoc if allowed. Brian Cody and his management team got their tactics spot on in '06 by using an extra man in the halfback line. It was almost like a brick wall that day, they will need to have the same hunger this time round. The anticipation among the counties involved and the neutrals ahead of this game is huge.... personally I have butterflies as I write this article. Maybe it brings back memories of days gone by, good and bad...I must add, but it's days like this that we long for. There is huge respect between both counties but neither like to give an inch and when they meet in Sunday’s semi it will be no different. Once again it will be a 50/50 game with maybe a bit of luck or who knows an umpire’s decision deciding the outcome! If there is one thing we are aware of, it is that this Cork side will battle right to the wire. There's been a low key build-up to this major event, maybe it's time to hang the flags once more - myself included, just to show a sense of occasion and let the players know that we do care.
Let’s hope that the minors can get the day off to a good start, they have nothing to lose against a more fancied Tipperary side. Support for the team is also important for the game on Sunday especially with Cork footballers involved. The pros and cons of Kilkenny's five-week break won't be known until at least ten minutes into the action. However, I would be confident that if minds are focused, we have the personnel to get the job done. The Pat Hoban-trained intermediate side have their semi-final against Galway this Saturday, so it will be a busy weekend for Kilkenny hurling supporters.
