GAA: Lengthy injury list leaves Birr unbalanced

THE closely-knit group of Birr players so successfully managed by the flamboyant Pat Joe Whelahan, have been getting accustomed to organising their working and social lives around their hurling.

Four times in the past nine years they have captured the AIB All-Ireland club title, becoming the first team in hurling to reach that milestone, last March. Naturally enough, they want the trend to continue.

It's understandable then, why they should be so disappointed the Leinster Council insisted their final with Kilkenny champions O'Loughlin Gaels should go ahead as scheduled in O'Moore Park tomorrow.