Stars to shine despite weather

IF only tomorrow’s Leinster Club senior hurling final between Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) and Birr (Offaly) were being held a month ago – what a contest we’d have had in store!

The Kilkenny kingpins come bristling with big guns, from Hurler Of The Year Henry Shefflin, Young Hurler of the Year ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick through other Kilkenny stars at various levels like centre-back Aidan Cummins, Maurice Nolan, Michael Fennelly and the brothers Paddy, Eoin and TJ Reid.

Ranged against them are Brian Whelahan of the Team of the Millennium, his brothers Simon and Barry, the towering Hanniffys, Rory and Gary, with veteran Joe Errity in reserve alongside young Aaron Whelahan — son of Brian.