Going gets tough for Birr as they limber up for Athenry contest

BIRR have organised stern tests against Tipperary and Cork as the reigning All-Ireland club hurling champions continue their build-up to the semi-final clash with Athenry in Ennis on February 16.

Fri, 17 Jan, 2003 - 00:00

Diarmuid O’Flynn

The venues for the AIB Club football and hurling semi-finals were announced yesterday, with the pick of the hurling semi-finals set for Cusack Park at 2.30pm.

"Our lads are suffering now, suffering hard," laughed Birr manager and trainer Padjoe Whelehan. "We're back in harness now for the last two-and-a- half weeks, so we're well into it."