Buggy defends reputation of Carlow hurling

THE primary concern for Kilkenny man Tommy Buggy these last few days has been the preparation of Carlow champions St Mullin’s for the herculean task of taking on reigning AIB All-Ireland titleholders Birr in the Leinster semi-final in O’Moore Park on Sunday.

Wearing a different hat, he is chairman of his own club in Castlecomer, Erins Own. Ask him the right question and he will stoutly defend the reputation of Carlow hurling, dismissing what he perceives as the snobbery of people in the so-called strong counties.

St Mullin’s is described as a big, long rural parish situated at the southern end of the county, sandwiched between Kilkenny and Wexford. The next parish is Graiguenamanagh and Rathnure is only a short distance away. The village is better known for its historic ruins commemorating St Mullin rather than for its hurling.