The time is almost upon us now. History beckons for a team that has made it their business to rewrite the history books, taking the people of Kilkenny city and county on a whilrwind ride over the past decade.
Someday in the future we might be able to catch our breath, take a look back and truly absorb the magnificent achievements of Brian Cody, his team and the talented hurlers who have weaved their magic on the field.
But until then we’ll happily sit back and enjoy the ride, proud to associate ourselves with a tradition of sporting success unrivalled in present day Ireland.
Sunday’s epic clash with an enemy well-known to us is the culmination of several months of serious graft for the panel involved, from their early days of training in the cold, winter months, through their up and down league campaign to their last step towards immortalisation.
From the off, this campaign has separated itself from years gone-by. While previously the team had chased the treble and the four-in-a-row, when talk turned to the ‘drive for five’ the weight of history quickly cloaked the conversations about five-in-a-row. That final prize quickly donned a mystical aura.
As the team edged closer towards their target the people of the county were given a sharp jolt to up the ante in their support of the hurling heroes by a mysterious group of masked marauders named the K-Team. Their antics on Mount Misery quickly became the hottest topic in town and followers tuned in to Facebook in their droves to find out the latest news on where the black and amber boys and girls had made their mark.
The injury sagas of Shefflin, Hogan and Tennyson added further drama to the build-up. Will they? Won’t they?
The Kilkenny colours are flying proudly in towns across the length and breadth of the county now and there is an air of optimism in the faces of the supporters on the street, although most will admit this should be the team’s sternest test yet.
So come Sunday there will unquestionably be butterflies dancing in the stomachs but fortunately the Kilkenny hurlers’ nerves are made of stronger stuff than those of the average supporter.
Whatever happens on Sunday, the players will know that the entire county is filled with an enormous pride for the enjoyment they have given us over the years and win, lose or draw, Monday’s homecoming should be the biggest celebration the county has seen.
The Kilkenny Advertiser staff wish both the senior and minor panels the best of luck in their quests for All-Ireland glory. Up the Cats!
