GAA: The Untouchables

DECEMBER 2003, the end of yet another highly-successful season for the hurlers of Kilkenny.

All-Ireland championship winners at minor, U-21 and senior level, narrowly beaten in the intermediate, National League title retained, two All-Ireland colleges titles won (St Kieran's and Castlecomer CS, A and B grades respectively) along with the Tony Forrestal All-Ireland U-14 tournament, with James Stephens taking the Féile na Gael title for good measure.

Their most recent success saw county champions O'Loughlin Gaels deposing Birr as kings of Leinster, and the Comerford-powered Gaels are now hotly fancied to win the All-Ireland club championship.