It’s on a sad note that I start this week's column after the passing of Eamon Hennessy, one of Kilkenny's most devoted fans. The kind-hearted Eamon who lost his battle with illness last Tuesday was known and respected the length and breadth of Ireland.
This gentleman loved nothing better than watching his beloved county perform and it didn't matter what code or grade it was. His work and dedication through the Supporters Club was immense down the years. He would stand for hours in the Kilkenny mobile shop happily selling the Kilkenny merchandise so that the players would be properly looked after. He was a great friend to all the Kilkenny players down the years and was always very supportive. He took the good days with the bad. I'm sure that there have been some great yarns about this great character told over the last few days. Eamon and his lovely wife Mary (whom everyone will know from Langton’s Restaurant ) really looked forward to the Kilkenny trips abroad and you could take my word there was no better couple to have a pint and chat with. Ar Dheis Dé Go Raibh a Anam.
Kilkenny Vs Waterford
This weekend’s action sees Kilkenny take on Waterford. The Cats lie third on the table with six points just one above their opponents. A loss for either county wouldn't put them out of contention for a League final spot and victory would leave both teams in a healthy position. If this game doesn't draw a crowd, considering the new motorway then hurling is indeed in trouble. Kilkenny’s Jeykl and Hyde performance against Galway is still a hot topic amongst Kilkenny supporters. After playing in fits and starts against both Cork, Wexford and Galway I suppose the main aim we are looking for this weekend is a victory in a solid 70 minute performance. As usual it will be interesting to see what team takes to the field. Personally I'd like to see Tommy Walsh get a week off. I'm sure the Tullaroan maestro probably won't agree with me, still I'll call it the way I see it and a couple of weeks without hurling might freshen him up. Jackie Tyrrell seems to be under pressure with a hamstring injury, so it will be interesting to see if the Kilkenny management team sends out an SOS call to Brian Hogan. I'm sure Brian Cody will be looking for a much higher work ethic throughout the field.
I'm sure he will be on the phone like Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was last weekend. His stint in the stand might actually benefit him.
We won't get to see Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald directing proceeding from the line, as he is summoned to the stand after picking up a four week suspension. I'm sure he will be on the phone like Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson was last weekend. His stint in the stand might actually benefit him as he is sure to get a better view from a lofty position. Waterford begin life without Ken McGrath this Sunday but another old stager Tony Browne could see some action. At 38, most lads are usually finished club hurling so his hunger for action at this high level is amazing. I suppose he still dreams of picking up that illusive medal. Waterford's performance in this year’s league has been very encouraging, even in their loss to Tipperary there was a lot of pluses they could take out of the game and with the De la Salle contingent back in recent weeks they will be formidable opposition this Sunday. If Kilkenny are looking for motivation for this game, all I'll say it would be a fitting tribute to Eamon Hennessy to turn in a good performance and a victory.
The top of the table clash is Dublin vs Galway at Parnell Park. The Dubs unbeaten this year will be hoping to keep their great run going. They still need at least three points from the remaining games to have a chance of making their first league final since 1946. One small problem for both Galway and Dublin is that they have both played Wexford and Offaly — so points in the remaining games will be harder to source. Galway will be without Iarla Tannian this weekend, he was their main play maker against Kilkenny. The Tribesmen beat the Dubs last year in this correspondence fixture at Salthill but the Parnell Park advantage might swing this one in their favour. It's unusual that this round of action sees all the teams on the table play the opposition directly below them.
The gifted midfielder was inspirational in last year’s championship and he now faces a race against time to be fit for any of the Munster Campaign.
Tipp travel to Paric Ui Chaoimh to take on Cork, this is a repeat of last year's preliminary championship match. On that occasion the Rebels caught the Premier men stone cold but in hindsight it was probably the making of Tipp. Both teams will be anxious for the points as a loss would end both counties league aspirations. The Premier men were dealt a hammer blow this week when last year’s young hurler of the year Brendan Maher broke his ankle. The gifted midfielder was inspirational in last year’s championship and he now faces a race against time to be fit for any of the Munster Campaign. It's a hard one to call but maybe Tipp will be looking for retribution for last year’s defeat. We only have to look at last week’s rugby to see what an incentive pride can be.
The remaining game is probably the most important game to date this year as a loss for either Wexford or Offaly will probably condemn them back to Division 2. Home advantage is with the Faithful County and this just might see them avoid the wooden spoon.
The move that won the day for the Clarinbridge side was the switching of the Kerins brothers Alan and Mark and both excelled in their new roles.
I'm sure the O'Loughlin’s lads are still scratching their heads after last Thursday’s All-Ireland defeat to Clarinbridge. It was amazing how the pattern of this game changed. The early exchanges suggested that O'Loughlin’s might be in for a comfortable victory. Their backs were dealing comfortably with the Galway champions’ attacking threat. The O'Loughlin’s forwards were finding their range with ease. Players like Mark Bergin, Alan Geoghegan, and Danny Loughnane were in exquisite form. The move that won the day for the Clarinbridge side was the switching of the Kerins brothers Alan and Mark and both excelled in their new roles. That five minute spurt before halftime that saw Clarinbridge draw level seemed to weigh very heavy on the Kilkenny champions’ minds. It was some transformation in the second half and once Clarinbridge got on top there was no stopping them. O'Loughlin’s could and probably should have switched Brian Hogan back to the edge of the square but I still think it wouldn't have made any difference. The Clarinbridge side were worthy winners, there is no disputing that. It's a victory that sees Galway top of the charts with eleven club titles. O'Loughlin’s will be very disappointed with their secondhalf performance; they'll also be annoyed that they got overrun so easily. They had a great run, won some great games when their backs were to the wall, it's not a consolation but they were beaten by a fast skilful side. The Kilkenny champions will have to pick themselves up quickly as the defence of their Kilkenny crown is just around the corner.
