Kilkenny head to Croke Park this Sunday for a repeat of the 2009 Leinster final clash with Dublin, on that occasion the Cats claimed their 66th title. Dublin hurled with their usual gusto but the Cats still won with a bit up their sleeve. Martin Comerford was the two goal hero on that sunny afternoon.
Last year Kilkenny trounced the Dubs en route to their first Leinster final meeting with Galway, it was the dream final that everyone wanted — the prince Joe Canning Vs King Henry, etc. One could say that for the second year running the GAA have gotten lucky with their final pairing as the events of this spring have favoured a meeting of the aforementioned duo. Dublin are on the crest of a wave after winning both the Walsh Cup and league title and now go in search of a first Leinster title since 1961. Kilkenny are reigning champions and it is a title they will not give up without a huge fight. This may be the final the authorities would have been quietly hoping for but I can also tell you that the Dubs are the opposition that the Kilkenny players would have craved after the league final defeat. There is nothing surer but there are a few scores to be settled. It was not just the players who squared up to each other during the year but also the two managers. Brian Cody and Anthony Daly might have shook hands and smiled after the whistle on May 1, however, it will be business as usual this Sunday with no quarter given or taken. Look, it is fair to say we got our goose well cooked on that occasion and great credit must go to Dublin for that final victory. The Dubs however would be very naive to read too much into that game. Kilkenny for some reason did not look tuned in, in fact despite topping the group there was some average displays this spring, a kick in the backside often helps teams refocus. I would be confident that the league final result is now firmly put behind them.
Tommy might have missed that semi final clash but by all accounts he is raring to go.
As good a squad as we would like to think we have there is no way we can do without four of our best players. Henry Shefflin, Michael Fennelly, Tommy Walsh, and Richie Power are among several players who backbone this Kilkenny outfit and their services were sorely missed during the year. We saw against Wexford how they helped galvanise the players around them. Tommy might have missed that semi final clash but by all accounts he is raring to go. The formation of the team as usual will be interesting; most eyes will be focused on the fullback line at training this week after they had an off day in Wexford Park. Who will get the nod in this department is anyone’s guess.
He is not comfortable in this role and Kilkenny should take advantage here.
Dublin's fine victory over Galway in Tullamore consolidates the fact that they have moved on to a new, improved level. Just how far they have improved will not really be known until Sunday, as a question mark still hangs over Galway’s attitude that evening. Their ability to field high balls cannot be disputed; this is one of the areas that Kilkenny cannot let them dominate. The major worry for the Dubs is their lack of goals, we saw in the league final and again the last day against Galway that on both occasions the keeper hardly had a save to make. The key area for Kilkenny is across the half forward line and midfield. Win these battles and we will be well on our way to our 68th title. Richie Power has the ability to unlock any defence. He was very industrious against Wexford at centre forward but I still think he is more dangerous on the edge of the square. Peter Kelly is likely to be fullback for Dublin in the absence of the injured Tomas Brady. He is not comfortable in this role and Kilkenny should take advantage here. It is a testament to Anthony Daly's management skills that he has taken them to this high level in such a short space of time however Kilkenny's ability to get goals will extend the Dubs 50 year wait for another Leinster title.
Kilkenny minors qualified for the Leinster final last Saturday when they had six points to spare over Wexford. That victory sees them play Dublin in the curtain raiser on Sunday. I just happened to see the Dubs play Westmeath last Monday night on TG4, they looked a fine side with plenty of physical presence. The Cats have a young side this year with plenty of them underage again next season. Kilkenny manager Adrian Ronan is sure to have his side well fired up for this clash and it would be a nice start to proceeding if the young Cats could lead the way.
The episode of being locked out of their training grounds in recent weeks won't help moral for next season.
Last weekend we saw a 14-man Cork team just about hold out against Offaly. The Rebel bandwagon rolls on to the next stage of the qualifiers but they will have to show marked improvement if they want to be competing at the business end of the All-Ireland series. It's no great surprise to see that Offaly manager Joe Dooley has handed in his resignation. Despite two good championship efforts the season will be remembered for dropping back to Division two. It is hard to know whether all the players will give the same commitment next season. The episode of being locked out of their training grounds in recent weeks will not help morale for next season. The players may ask Joe to have a rethink before it is finally put to bed.
The qualifiers continue this Saturday evening with two more intriguing clashes. Limerick play host to Wexford while Galway do likewise to Clare. On paper both these games are hard to call. If Limerick repeat their second half performance against Waterford they just might edge out Wexford, mind you the Model County’s record in the qualifiers is good. Galway versus Clare, I must admit I am after swaying back and forth on the verdict of this clash. Clare showed great heart against Tipp but still got beaten conclusively. If they are to be successful they will have to maintain the intensity shown in the first 20 minutes against Tipp. Their shooting on that day was of the highest calibre. I would not bank on them to repeat the trick. I didn't fancy the Tribesmen against Dublin, however there is always one good outing in them every year. Their attitude was deplorable that evening, it was typified by Joe Canning, their marquee player looked so casual even his free-taking duties left a lot to be desired. Still if there is to be a kick in Galway it has to be tomorrow night. If they show pride in the maroon jersey they can beat Clare.
It was a great weekend for the O’Loughlin Gaels Club who won their first Féile Na Gael title in Galway last weekend. Well done to all involved.
