Kilkenny look good for a record sixth title in a row

KILKENNY’S success in the All-Ireland minor hurling final last year, embellished with a display of skill and craft, provided further evidence of the rich vein of natural talent in the county which has dominated Leinster at senior level since 1997.

It’s why they will again start favourites in tomorrow’s Guinness decider in Croke Park, despite the absence of last year’s captain Andy Comerford, and Richie Mullally through injury and the recent decision of Charlie Carter and Brian McEvoy to opt out of the panel.

Kilkenny’s remarkable consistency, which has seen them contest four All-Ireland finals and one semi-final over the last five seasons, now has them challenging for a record sixth consecutive provincial title. And, based on recent evidence, it is difficult to make a strong case for Wexford being able to stop them as they did 26 years ago.

However, while they were hard pressed to beat Offaly by two points in the semi-final, the Model county nearly always manage to raise their standard significantly against their arch-rivals. Twelve months ago they should have won, but their finishing was quite poor at times and the last-minute withdrawal of Adrian Fenlon was a massive blow. It was a game in which Declan Ruth was quite effective in curbing Henry Shefflin directly, but still couldn’t prevent him from influencing the play in his general area.

Man for man, the Wexford backs compare more than favourably to Kilkenny’s defence, especially with the loss of Mullally and the decision to replace Philip Larkin.

Wexford will be expected to be every bit as competitive at midfield, if Rory McCarthy passes a late fitness test.

It’s when you start to make comparisons between the two attacks that the difference in class is exposed. Paul Codd is every bit as valuable as Shefflin (or D.J. Carey) as a free-taker, but doesn’t present the same threat from play as either. On balance, Kilkenny have so much more potential. The question is will they be allowed exploit it.

The one element that could inspire a Wexford victory is hunger. Kilkenny selector Johnny Walsh doesn’t deny that they will be vulnerable if they don’t match it. A key part of their strategy is the introduction of new players. “It does not suit players who are already there on the panel and so-called established players but if you don’t keep it freshened at this level, the players won’t keep the hunger. And, one way is to keep the pressure on them and let them know there is somebody else there maybe to step in there with more hunger!”

With no disrespect to Dublin, Kilkenny have not had a major test since the League final. However, the fact that the players were all involved in the county championship up to two weeks ago should ease concern about their match fitness. From Wexford’s perspective the closeness of the semi-final against Offaly was a perfectly timed wake-up call.

It will require an inspired Wexford performance if they are to win. Realistically, though, it will hardly materialise if Kilkenny are on song!