With the World Cup now in full swing next Sunday’s Leinster hurling semi-finals are almost slipping in under the radar. Kilkenny who have not seen competitive action for some time now finally get a chance to strut their stuff.
The last four years have been an incredible journey for the Kilkenny senior hurling team and we the supporters have been more than happy to tag along. They have fulfilled all our hurling dreams in that span. The two-in-a-row was good, the three-in-a-row was great, and leave it so to the four-in-a-row last year... I saw old men cry after beating our neighbours. That was an incredible day and one that will never be forgotten. But, and there always seems to be a but, the time has once again come to defend the titles. We enjoyed last year so much that I'm not so sure we want this year to start. There is no hiding the fact that Kilkenny supporters have dreams of landing the five-in-a-row and creating history. Supporters can dream but for the players it has to be put more in the aspirations category. They have to aspire to this huge challenge. Year in year out they have met the challenge and must be applauded for doing so but the reality is simple, past glories won't win this year’s title.
We hope this Sunday’s clash against Dublin will be the first of only four games we have to play this year. Yes after all the hard competitive action over the last four years, it’s important once again this year to take the front door route. Club action and some intensive training of late should have the players spot on for Sunday’s challenge. This year’s league was never high on Brian Cody's agenda. He is no fool, he wasn't going to burn his players out this spring, instead he gave some of his fringe players plenty of game time. He mixed and matched, tried lads in different positions, but despite not qualifying for the league final they always remained competitive. This year is no different to any other. Players, supporters, and I'm sure even management will be anxious in the run up to Sunday’s match as you never really know how you are going until you get into combat.
Dublin had a mixed league campaign, the primary objective of retaining division 1 status was achieved. Mind you, it was made a lot easier by the Limerick players going on strike. The one and only advantage they have going into this game is that they already have a competitive championship match under their belt after they beat Laois a fortnight ago. By all accounts they weren't impressive that afternoon but the beauty of having played that game is that Anthony Daly, the Dublin manager, has had two weeks to iron out any problems. Kilkenny also have problems, injury has robbed us of Cha Fitzpatrick and John Tennyson. On the plus side Richie Power seems to have recovered sufficiently to be available for selection. It's disappointing for the two lads; Cha would have been hugely disappointed not to have made the line up for last year’s All-Ireland final. In fairness his form last year probably did not warrant a starting position; a lot of that poor form could have been contributed to a bout of mumps earlier in the year. In the Kilkenny camp it's not easy to play catch-up. Lucky for both the Shamrocks and Kilkenny Cha was back to his best this spring, it’s almost certain he would have started only for pulling his hamstring. There is plenty of gossip doing the rounds as to who will or won't get the nod for this Sunday. It looks like 2010 will finally be the year that TJ Reid will be given a chance to nail down a starting position, rumours from the training sessions is that he will fill the No 14 slot. I don't think it's his best position, long-term I see him more as a half forward, he’s great man to field a high ball.
It's never easy second guessing Kilkenny's team, the management always seem to throw in someone that you'd least expect. I know one man though who will start and it will be his first competitive action for over a year in the Black and Amber jersey, a certain Noel Hickey is just chomping at the bit for game time. It's ironic that this Sunday will be Noel's 10th anniversary in the Black and Amber. Dublin provided the opposition on that momentous day, the young hardy buck took his position at cornerback that afternoon and has never looked back since. I met him on my travels recently and I can tell you that despite having seven All-Irelands in his back pocket he is hungrier than ever for action. Having to sit out last year’s campaign was a killer for the Dunnamaggin stalwart. PJ Ryan will start in goal; five of the backs pick themselves. Normally Michael Kavanagh would be the second name on the team sheet but he hasn't seen much action this year. In John Tennyson's absence, Kav or John Dalton will probably be given the nod. Cha Fitzpatrick's injury will mean that the hard working Michael Rice will probably partner the in form Michael Fennelly at midfield. Upfront it's anybody's guess, there must be at least 10 quality forwards vying for six positions.
The Dubs will match Kilkenny's physicality, but cuteness or craft is what usually lets them down. They have employed Alan McCrabbe as a third midfielder in recent encounters in an effort to contain Kilkenny, this ploy might work for a while but it will never win you a game. If you are not able to stand toe to toe with your opposition you have no chance. Kilkenny, Galway, and Cork respectively take on Dublin, Offaly, and Limerick this weekend. The aforementioned trio have one thing in common this weekend they are all in a no-win situation. Judging by the prohibited odds put in place by Paddy Power Bookmakers all three are expected to come through with flying colours. I'm with Paddy on this one, I think all three will comfortably see off their opponents. Kilkenny's quest for a historic five-in-a-row starts here, they don't owe the fans anything, this campaign above any other year is for themselves. They are the ones who have put themselves in this position for immortal status. It won't be an easy journey, but if they get a bit of luck and avoid injury they have the character and talent to get the job done, but it must be taken one step at a time.
