Rebels up against it as Cats chase Holy Grail

CORK coach Johnny Keane yesterday outlined the magnitude of the task confronting his charges in tomorrow’s All-Ireland IHC final clash with Kilkenny at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

“Cork only narrowly defeated Kilkenny in extra-time in last year’s final. Under the rules of the competition we had to parade a whole new side this season, while Kilkenny were able to field the same team that went so close.

“As a consequence we are under no illusions as to the size of the challenge facing us. The biggest motivating factor in our favour, however, is that we don’t want to be the first team to lose to Kilkenny who are going in search of the Holy Grail - winning four All-Ireland hurling titles in the one year,” said Keane.