The most famous phrase used this summer in hurling circles was undoubtedly the drive for five. The only place we are likely to hear it now is when the Shamrocks start their quest for a fifth title in a row.
They say a week is a long time in politics, but the same could be said after the last two in hurling. Before the first Sunday in September our seniors were almost known as the untouchables but now two weeks later the Premier county are being hotly tipped to dominate the next decade — oh boy how the perception has changed. I think people’s views have more to do with Tipp’s facile under 21 victory over Galway last Saturday evening than Kilkenny relinquishing the Liam MacCarthy. We would have to acknowledge that they have a very serious bunch of young hurlers at their disposal and there is no doubt but they will be competing for hurling top honours for the foreseeable future —but life does not always run smoothly as one would expect.
Most of the All -Ireland post mortems are over at this stage. The common view over the last week and a half is that Kilkenny will probably need an injection of young blood to freshen up the squad. The local championships will finally kick into action this weekend. After all the training, challenge matches, Byrne Cup games, etc, the time has come for serious questions to be answered. It is a bit like the quarter finals of the intercounty scene that the real hurling starts now. Unfortunately with so many first round games down for decision there seem to be a lot of games clashing — it’s a pity really because fans would love to get around to as many games as possible. I am aware of the football final on Sunday, but surely a couple of fixtures could be held back until after that game. I know light is fading fast but a 5.45pm start time would have seen those games finished without flood lights being required. Talking of needing fresh players for the intercounty set, the next month and a half is a great opportunity for players to catch the eye. We know from past experiences that Brian Cody does not commit himself to the intercounty set until later in the year, but I think it would be the surprise of the century if he does not enlist for one more year.
It is going to be a very busy weekend for minor players, most of their games are fixed for Friday evening so those deemed good enough for junior, intermediate, or senior teams will be asked to play two games in 24 hours. It looks like player burnout has been put on the back burner. I know I am repeating myself but it is a bit annoying to see two intermediate and two senior fixtures all down for the one time, surely they could have split these games for two and four clock starts on Saturday, a bit of common sense would not have gone astray.
Tullaroan to take on Dunamaggin at Tom Ryall Park. It looks like last year’s relegation fright had served the Tullaroan men well, good wins over Erin’s Own and the Fenians took them clear of relegation this term. Reports from the Tullaroan camp is that they are ravaged by injuries ahead of this game — either way I think Dunamaggin will be too strong. The first of the relegation battles takes place in Ballyragget with St Lachtain’s going head to head with St Martin’s. I know the winner could go on to win the Championship but defeat here leaves the loser in the final that nobody wants to be in. St Martin’s, despite blowing hot and cold this year, have more senior experience which just might give them the edge in this one. Sunday senior ties are every bit as intriguing, John Lockes Park plays host to Carrickshock and Graigue-Ballycallan.
On paper you would have to side with the Shocks, I have been saying it for a couple of years now that they have been Kilkenny’s biggest under achievers, it is time to step up to the plate now and I think they will.
The remaining senior fixture between Fenians and Clara is possibly the game of the weekend. A relegation fight faces the losers here so a tense battle is expected at the Castlecomer venue. The Fenians are extremely hard to beat when the championship comes around, they will be backboned by the Delaneys, JJ and PJ. These two men will inspire their colleagues to fight to the bitter end for the cause of the white and blue jersey. One young guy to keep an eye out for is young Conor Tobin. I have seen him a couple of times this year and he certainly looks the part. Clara have had several good under aged teams over the last few years but they just do not seem to get it together at senior level. Defensively the Clara men are quite solid but their goal scoring ability has to be a major worry, it has been their Achilles’ heel over the last few years. It has to be the Fenians for me.
The Intermediate first round championship games also kick off on Saturday, teams will try to avoid the relegation final. Blacks and Whites take on Tullogher Rosbercon at Thomastown, these two sides have come up from junior ranks in recent years, both sides have mixed sides this season, mind you the Tullogher men took a big scalp against neighbours Mullinavat last time out. I still think my old buddy Pat O’Neill might get his troops over the line in front here, so Black and Whites to advance. Graiguenamanagh take on Emeralds at Bennettsbridge, yet again another hard one to call; I think the Urlingford men can advance if they give more assistance to Taggy Fogarty up front. Sunday sees Mooncoin square up to Conahy Shamrocks at Nowlan Park, the Southerners have often failed to deliver when they hit Kilkenny HQ. Maybe they will prove me wrong but I think Conahy will have too much in hand. The remaining battle at the Rower Inistioge, oh! I’d imagine there will be skin and hair flying here. Derby’s can be hard to call but if the real Rower team turns up they should have enough in hand.
There are also four very interesting junior games down for decision. I have not seen enough games to call these ties, from what I can gather there is a lot of young talent coming through from these outfits. It has been quite noticeable over the last couple of years that a lot of Kilkenny minors, u21s, and intermediate players have come from junior clubs, so whoever comes up this year can look forward to a bright future.
Hopefully the weather will keep up over the weekend so we can enjoy these competitive games.
