Kilkenny may have written themselves into the history books this year by becoming the first team to complete the clean sweep, but the men who were involved in creating history found themselves going back to grassroots last weekend as the local championships commenced. Some of the media recently complained that we didn't know how to celebrate winning and that our homecoming party was very lethargic. I'd say to hell with the begrudgers, the players know we think the world of them and also respect the fact that time moves on. The county men who soldiered so well together, also respect that while they were away on county duty, club men they grew up with have been plugging away in preparation for last weekend. There is no doubt that special bonds are formed during the intercounty season, however, once you go back and put on the club colours - friendship rightly goes out the window as teams go in search of success in their respective championships.
The reigning champions Ballyhale Shamrocks were safely into the quarter-finals as they took on James Stephens in the league final. I suppose the writing was on the wall before a ball was struck, with Shamrocks tipped to win this comfortably, especially as James Stephens were without their county and influential star Eoin Larkin. The way it turned out Larkin's presence probably wouldn't have made any difference as the Shamrocks dished out a 5-19 to 13 point beating to the City men. This victory means they have put themselves in line for the treble of league and championship victories and I for one won't be betting against them as I fully expect them to pull it off. They seem to be in a different class to anyone else at present. Teams like Carrickshock, The Fenians and possibly a full strength James Stephens’ side would fancy taking them on, but realistically they would all have to raise their game to new heights to even compete with this Ballyhale machine. They constantly run up huge scores which probably doesn't come as any great surprise considering the ammunition they have from position 8 - 15. Of the challengers Carrickshock seems to be the most formidable side to have a crack at them. They boast five intercounty players and should at least be capable of competing although they must fear the Ballyhale boys after getting beaten by them in their own backyard in the last round of the local league.
Tullaroan, Clara, The Fenians and Graigue-ballycallan were the teams to enter last Monday night’s quarter-final draw after good victories last weekend over St Martin's, Young Irelands, Dunnamaggin and Dicksboro respectively. St Martins and Dunnamaggin disappointed and all they can do now is to sit back and enjoy the rest of the championship knowing they will be competing at this level again next year. Unfortunately Dicksboro and my own club Young Irelands must train now and prepare for the relegation battle - a final that no one wants to be in.
The draws on Monday night have once again thrown up some mouthwatering contests with at least three of them being evenly matched. The odd one out, namely the Shamrocks and Clara pairing, you'd have to say the Clara boys drew the short straw but they will be happy that they consolidated their position in the senior ranks last weekend. James Stephens will be red-hot favourites for their battle with Graigue-Ballycallan, however, if Jackie Tyrrell doesn't recover from his ankle injury, the Ballycallan lads will be in with a shout. There should be a great battle in store here between Eoin Larkin and the ever dependable James Ryall and this could determine the outcome. The game of the weekend has to be Carrickshock vs The Fenians. I touched on the southerner's strengths already but I'm sure the one team they probably wanted to avoid was the Johnstown men. They know Johnstown will battle all day long as they don't know any other way. Still I fancy Carrickshock to come out on top. That leaves Tullaroan vs O'Loughlins, and another tight game is anticipated here. O'Loughlins struggled against Carrickshock last weekend in the Shield final while Tullaroan put some ordinary league displays behind them to end St Martin's year. Gorta's absence will be a huge loss to O'Loughlins, he has been a real leader over the years, both sides have solid backs but maybe O'Loughlins might have that little bit extra firepower upfront. On this basis, I would go with O'Loughlins to shade it but only just.
There you have it - The Village, Shamrocks, Carrickshock and O'Loughlin's to make it to the last four, I'll probably be as far out as a lighthouse.
The Intermediate quarter-finals look every bit as intriguing after the draw, the Emeralds look to be the team to beat after they easily brushed Conahy Shamrocks aside in the league final. They have flattered to deceive in the past but word has it they have put in a big effort this year. Derek Lyng might have five All-Ireland’s in his closet, but I'm sure he would dearly love to see his club move into the senior bracket - they should have too much firepower for Graiguenamanagh. The Rower Inistioge and Mooncoin have both blown hot and cold over the last few years so my verdict here is for a draw. Erin's Own who lost to St Lactain's in last year’s semi-final have a great chance to exact revenge against the same opposition, if they can hold Eoin Guinan back I think they will advance. That leaves the tie of the round, Conahy Shamrocks vs Danesfort. Both of these sides have won All-Ireland junior championships in the last two years so I suppose this is a chance to see who has developed the most. If Danesfort can come out of the blocks at bit quicker than last weekend and get enough quality ball to Richie Hogan they can advance to the semi-final.
