This years National Hurling League Final has received mixed reviews. Most people like myself thought it was a cracking contest between two of hurling kingpins, it was also a much needed boost for the code ahead of the championship. However, there seems to be a minority out there who think the game was too physical. Okay, a couple of tackles shouldn't have happened but these have been dealt with since. Eddie Brennan and Hugh Maloney received a months suspension each when the CCCC met last week. Both players will take it on the chin, simply because they wont miss a championship game.
I suppose authorities are trying to set a precedent for when the championship swings into action. The unlucky losers from that meeting were Wexford, they had full forward Stephen Banville suspended which rules him out for the first round against Offaly. Banville might not be a huge loss as he seems limited enough in terms of his hurling ability, he is more a target man.
Anyone who enjoyed the Kilkenny/Tipp league final will surely make the short trip to Grangemockler next Sunday evening to see a challenge match between these two sides. One could call it part three, there probably won't be the same cut and thrust about it as the last match but it should be a good workout for both sides. Tipperary fans will flock to see how Eoin Kelly is progressing. Reports coming out of the Premier County this week is that he contributed 2-6 recently in a club game. While club and county standards are a step apart, these reports will surely give encouragement to Premier fans. Kilkenny will have to do without the services of Michael Kavanagh who picked up a hamstring injury while playing for St Lactain’s last weekend. Michael Kavanagh's absence could pave the way for John Dalton to return who has recovered from a bout of glandular fever. The Carrickshock defender has come through two club matches recently and will be biting at the bit to step up to the next level. The fixture couldn't come at a better time for the Grangemocker club, hot on the heels of that classic league final it’s sure to attract a huge crowd. Anyone wishing to see football’s elite should make a day out of it at the Tipperary venue as Kerry and Dublin proceed the hurling game.
Kilkenny u21s start the defence of their crown this Wednesday night at Nowlan Park when they play host to neighbours Laois. Michael Walsh and his selectors have been working away with the squad for some time now. Most of last years side are still at his disposal so it’s inevitable that this will lead to high expectations from the fans. Luckily enough Micky has been around the block long enough to know what can happen when you're there to be shot at. I remember myself back in 1990 no one gave us a chance, however we went onto win the U21 final. The following year expectation levels were very high and all I'll say is that Offaly showed no regard for high reputations and as a result a Leinster final exit and no backdoors... year over. This current squad has the ability if they keep their focus, the same goes for the minor panel. I saw them playing against Offaly recently, to say that the scoreboard wasn't a true reflection of the game would be putting it mildly. Kilkenny dominated the first half but Johnny Pilkington's side had a good period early in the second half but they failed to put their dominance on the scoreboard. Kilkenny were gifted two goals when the Offaly keeper committed two howlers. In fairness to the management they couldn't call up the guys that were involved with Good Counsel and Castlecomer Community School just before this encounter. It’s ironic that they must meet the winners of Westmeath and Offaly, logic would suggest that it should be the Faithful county who will advance to that game on Sunday May 24. Offaly will be waiting in the high grass again. People might say I'm being a bit pessimistic but it’s purely based on my own experience at underage level.
It was nice to see Richie Power pick up the Vodafone Players of the Month Award. It was well deserved after his performances all spring, while he didn't get to play in the league final due to an injury, he most certainly led the way upfront on their path to that Thurles thriller.
Also I can't forget my former intercounty colleague Andy Comerford when I'm dishing out a bit of praise. He guided Kildare to league success recently and last Saturday to a victory over a highly regarded Westmeath side in the first round of the Christy Ring Cup. The reward for that victory is a second round tie this coming weekend against Carlow. They will once again need to be at their best as the Carlow men have taken some big scalps in this years league in a division higher than the Lilly Whites. Andy has two Kilkenny men in his ranks, ex Ballycallan goalkeeper Paul Dermody and Young Irelands Davy Carter who both reside in the county and that makes the latter eligible for selection. I wish all the teams well.
