Familiarity to breed Rabbitte-inspired Athenry victory

IT WON’T matter to Athenry or James Stephens, but after three poor contests in succession, hurling needs a good AIB All-Ireland club final today.

In 2002 and 2003 Birr had two fairly easy wins, with double scores against Clarinbridge in the former, and a 1-19 to 0-11 romp against Dunloy in the latter.

Dunloy were again the victims last year, steam-rolled 0-17 to 1-6 by Cork champions Newtownshandrum.