Two captains, leading from the front

OTHER than that both are forwards, about the only thing DJ Carey and Alan Browne have in common is they will captain Kilkenny and Cork in tomorrow's All-Ireland final.

Carey's club, Young Irelands from Gowran, has never had a winning captain, whereas Browne is following a proud tradition of eight Blackrock men with the distinction. But as hurlers, he would be the first to acknowledge that Carey is in a different league.

Browne never denied he has to work hard on his hurling and that honest approach has benefited him. Over the years he has contributed some vital goals, through his strength and his courage, in throwing himself around packed goalmouths.