Looking forward to the year ahead the under 14s will this year contest the Leinster B championship having claimed the C’ title in 2010 and will play home games in March against Wicklow (March 5 ) and Longford (March 19 ) before entering new territory when they travel to Meath in April.
Barry Hayes and Pj Whelan have taken over the under 18 side in conjunction with the u16s so new management has yet to be put in place for the under 14 panel. Anyone interested in getting involved in underage coaching can contact county chairperson John Gorey. Trials this year for all underage panels will be divided into north and south and will get underway in the coming weeks. Players will be notified through their schools and in the local media.
The under 16 panel will commence their Leinster campaign on March 12 against neighbours Carlow before facing Offaly and Westmeath in April. With cup and shield competitions at under 14 and under 16 level the Cats will be hoping to bring more silverware to the county in the coming year.
The Leinster minor championship dates are yet to be finalised but will most likely take place in April with Kilkenny, Carlow and Offaly contesting the C’ championship.
A return to Junior ranks
Having spent three years at intermediate level Kilkenny ladies return to junior ranks for 2011. While Kilkenny contested well at intermediate level, sides of the calibre of Waterford, Longford and Leitrim who were playing at senior level until recently had too much experience for the Cats. The Bord Gais Energy National League will see the Cats face both intermediate and junior sides but the TG4 championship will see the ladies on a more level playing field in the junior grade.
Kilkenny, Carlow, Wicklow, Offaly, Wexford and Louth will contest this year’s Leinster junior championship which could prove to be a very tight affair. The Cats have an opening round date with Wicklow on 25/26 June with the winners progressing to face Offaly or Louth in the provincial semi final a week later. Carlow and Wexford will contest the second semi final.
The TG4 All-Ireland series kicks off immediately after the provincial competition with the opening rounds on July 24. The six Leinster sides will be joined in the junior series by Derry and it looks likely that New York will enter the fray at quarter final stage to make two groups of four with the groups yet to be drawn. Kilkenny will be very familiar with all their opposition at junior level and with the right blend of players are more than capable of progressing well in 2011.
Clubs and players will be contacted in the coming days before junior training commences and managers are encouraged to send their players forward for selection.
