What a week it has been! I don't think I've ever heard as many rumours about player injuries ahead of an All-Ireland final. The Kilkenny team returned to training last Monday night after their customary weekend away in Wexford.
The session hadn't started when the texts were doing the rounds that Richie Power was on crutches after aggravating an old ankle injury and that Derek Lyng had twinged his hamstring. We finally got some good news on Tuesday when it was revealed that Henry and John Tennyson might have a half chance of togging out for Kilkenny's historic bid. Speculation that both would line out for training on Wednesday night was enough to draw the biggest crowd ever to Nowlan Park for their workout. I'd say about 8,000 supporters made their way to the Park for a glimpse of their injured heroes. John Tennyson was the first to appear, he took his place as normal and proceeded to puck the ball across the field. Then a few minutes later came the moment everyone had come to see that was of course Kilkenny's hurling icon Henry Shefflin running out to take his place.
Needless to say the place erupted at the sight of the seven-times All-Ireland medal winner joining his colleagues. He took up position at the town end under the new stand, no disrespect to the other panel members but fans only had eyes for the two men returning from crucial injuries. Every move from both players was closely monitored by the fans, they just wanted to see what reaction if any there would be when they twisted and turned or just simply stroked the ball.
The good news for fans is that both took full part in the match that lasted possibly 45 minutes, neither went full tilt and I suppose we would include Tommy (Walsh ) in this as well but they did look free in their movement. Getting back to this point so quickly is nothing short of a miracle considering the nature of the injuries they had. Hopefully neither will have any reaction after this session and they can play on from here. One session doesn't guarantee that they'll make the big day but it does seem that there is a bit of light at the end of the tunnel. They will have to prove their fitness again this Saturday when they'll probably do their last serious bit of hurling ahead of the final. That's the good news folks but sadly it wasn't all plain sailing as the injury-prone Brian Hogan had to leave the field with a badly-injured finger. The plot definitely thickens after the events of this week. It would be great news if everyone was available for selection, maybe it's too much to ask for but we live and hope.
Sunday week's senior final may be grabbing all the local headlines at present but it mustn’t be forgotten that the intermediates have the honour of being the county’s first side to battle for an All-Ireland this year when they take on Cork on Saturday evening at Semple Stadium. The Cats are on a revenge mission after being well beaten by the Rebels in last year’s decider. Pat Hoban and his backroom team seem to have his side in good tune this year, and good wins over Wexford, Dublin and Galway have once again given them the chance to regain the crown last won in '08.
Cork's victory last year means that they have to pick a completely new panel this time around mind you they have a far superior number of clubs to pick from than Kilkenny. Since the competition changed from junior to intermediate status in 1996 Cork have been successful in no less than six times. The Cats record on the other hand is not quite as good they have played in seven finals but have only been victorious once, that was in '08 when they beat Limerick.
This competition gives players the opportunity to showcase their talents; many senior players over the years have honed their skills in this grade. Pat Hoban can call on five of Brian Cody's panel for Saturday’s final; Paddy Hogan, Niall Walsh, Pat Hartley, Eoin Guinan and Michael Grace are all eligible for action — that is of course if our senior manager doesn't decide to pull any of the above for duty on Sunday week. Kilkenny look to have a decent side on paper they will once again look to the likes of Danesfort duo Paul Murphy and Paddy Hogan to marshal the defence.
The southern pair of Pat Hartley and Niall Walsh have acquitted themselves well at midfield to date. While up front the star of the show has been Captain Eoin Guinan. The Freshford man has been in top form for both club and county this year, it seems all that training on a regularly basis with the senior outfit has really stood to him. Another good show here for the Freshford man would give the senior management plenty to think about ahead of the senior final.
His club mate Bill Beckett has been his main companion upfront notching up 2-9 along the way. Cork have to be a decent side they have taken care of Tipperary, Limerick and Waterford to reach the decider. The beat on the street is that Cork winning last year’s final should weaken them this time around but it must be remembered that the rebels were able to win back to back titles in '03 and '04 so the Cats can't be complacent. A Kilkenny win on Saturday evening would set the ball rolling nicely ahead of the minor and senior tussles.
The Lisdowney Sevens
The Lisdowney U-13 Coca Cola Sevens finals take place this Saturday. If anybody wants to see the cream of underage hurling then the northern venue is the place to be.
Unfortunately I never got the chance to take part myself but a quick look at the roll of honours list on the Lisdowney website gives a quick indication of the talent that has taken part over the years. Players like Dermot Lawlor, Davy Buggy, Henry Shefflin, ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick, Richie Hogan, Conor Fogarty and Sean Phelan have all won best player awards down through the years.
It's ironic that Kilkenny's two best senior clubs of modern time Ballyhale Shamrocks and James Stephens dominated this competition in the nineties. It just goes to show that the talent was being nurtured at an early age. The Lisdowney club deserves great credit for initiating this tournament back in 1982 now in its 28th year it just seems to be getting stronger and stronger.
