Shefflin’s Shamrocks look to dethrone Village

COUNTY, provincial, and All-Ireland champions James Stephens put all three titles on the line at Nowlan Park on Sunday when they play Ballyhale Shamrocks in an eagerly anticipated Kilkenny senior hurling final.

Stephens are deserving favourites, but they’ll have to be at their sharpest to deny the Henry Shefflin-inspired Shamrocks, who are seeking their first title win since 1991.

The reigning champions have blown hot and cold so far, but ominously perhaps for Shamrocks they looked close to their best at times in the semi-final with Graigue/Ballycallan.

The powerhouse of the side is their impregnable half back line of Jackie Tyrrell, a bang in-form Philip Larkin, and the vastly experienced Peter Barry.

Donncha Cody, son of the county team boss, has been a model of consistency at corner back and behind him Frances Cantwell is an outstanding goalkeeper.

Brian McEvoy, regarded by many as good enough for the county panel, forms a highly effective midfield partnership with the ever-improving Paddy O’Brien, and while Eoin Larkin may be their best known player in attack, the sector is also brilliantly served by the McCormack brothers, Eoin and David, in the corners.

The twin threat of Henry Shefflin and Cha Fitzpatrick in the central positions in Shamrocks attack was the single most decisive factor in their semi-final win over O’Loughlin Gaels. Shamrocks need a repeat performance for the talented duo if they are to stand any chance of toppling the champions.

Shefflin’s duel with Philly Larkin could be crucial, and it promises to be the individual highlight of this final.

However, Shamrocks are far from a two man band and you cannot overlook the excellent Eamonn Walsh, Bob Aylward, and captain Aidan Cummins in defence, while keeper James Connolly has been in excellent form throughout the campaign.

Their midfield pairing of Michael Fennelly and TJ Reid was also a bedrock of their semi-final win and they should have a right battle with Stephens’ McEvoy and O’Brien.

While Shefflin and Fitzpatrick are unquestionably the key Shamrocks attackers, Eoin Reid and Mark Alyward, have also been knocking over the scores.

James Stephens might just have greater all-round balance, and if their highly vaunted half-back trio stamp their influence on proceedings they may just hold on to their title.

But then again, there’s always the genius of Henry Shefflin to be factored into the equation. A cliffhanger is in prospect.