Loughlins, Newtownare geared for battle

THOUGH only the middle of February, tomorrow’s meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels and Newtownshandrum, Leinster champions against Munster’s best is whetting the appetite of hurling folk just about anywhere.

The subplots are as numerous as they are appealing. There is the obvious Cork v Kilkenny divide, made all the more emotional by the Cats’ All-Ireland Final victory over the Rebels last September.

O’Loughlin’s have two sets of brothers from the Kilkenny panel; Martin and Andy Comerford along with Sean and Brian Dowling.