O’LOUGHLIN GAELS full-back Andy Kearns has been ruled out of the AIB All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final clash with Ulster kingpins Loughgiel Shamrocks on February 19.

THREE times postponed, this Leinster Club senior hurling final at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, yesterday was worth the wait.

SHANE MCGRATH insists Tipperary are better equipped to retain their All-Ireland hurling crown than the team that captured the title in 2001.

A day to remember for O’Loughlin Gaels captain Martin Comerford in Nowlan Park yesterday, his third county medal, and relief that finally, they are back on top of the heap in Kilkenny.

ANOTHER Kilkenny senior hurling title for O’Loughlin Gaels in summery Nowlan Park yesterday and a sweet win it was.

Kilkenny will field an unchanged team for tomorrow's Bord Gais Energy All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship semi-final against Antrim at Pairc Tailteann (throw-in 4.30pm).

KILKENNY have made two changes for tonight’s Leinster U21HC decider at Parnell Park.

DIFFERENT day, different grade even, but Kilkenny’s mission this evening will be much the same as it was in Croke Park two weekends ago – add another Leinster title to the stockpile and, at the same time, frustrate Dublin’s growing ambitions.