Trinity out to make a mark in Kehoe Cup

TRINITY COLLEGE may not be the most powerful hurling force in the Kehoe Cup but they must certainly be the best supported.

Indeed such is the interest in the halls of learning, that GAA chiefs will bus fans to tonight’s opening clash against Louth in Darver (8pm). Often considered a novelty on the third level circuit, TCD Development Officer Gavin Kerr, is confident the club can make the breakthrough and win a title this season.

“Despite the fact that Trinity is better known for its rugby, rowing and cricket, a number of outstanding Gaelic footballers and hurlers have passed through over the years,” said Kerr.

“Since the barriers came down there has been a steady stream of students attending the college from hurling and football backgrounds.

“We now have students from most of the hurling counties doing courses and they are keen to play the game with the college. Third level competition is highly competitive and the lads want to test themselves at this level.

“While we don’t have any current inter-county players from the bigger counties involved with us, we do have a couple from Meath, as well as a few who play their club hurling in Kilkenny, Limerick, Tipperary and Cork.

“Taking part in the competition last year for the first time created a bit of a buzz in the college and we’ve had to provide a bus up tonight for supporters which is something unusual for us. Some of those travelling wouldn’t be associated with the GAA club but are keen to lend their support.

“Funding is always a problem for third level colleges but we are very fortunate that our Sports Council is very generous. As a club we do our own bit of fundraising to supplement what we receive from the Council.

“While our team is a bit on the young side with a number of freshers involved, they are all very good hurlers and keen to show what they can do against a county team.”

Tommy Walsh, Phil Grimes (Meath), Aidan Brennan (Kilkenny), Eoin O’Leary (Cork) and John Kelly (part of the Limerick 2005 All-Ireland minor final team), are among Trinity’s key players.

“They have put in a big effort in training, particularly with the Ryan Cup — Division Two of the Higher Educational championship — in mind, and a win tonight would be the perfect start to the season for us. This year’s Ryan Cup is being played off on a Round Robin basis initially with two teams to qualify from each group. We are in with NUI Maynooth, and Tralee IT and it you win one game the likelihood is you’ll move on the next stage.

“I would be confident of a good run in this year’s championship. Tonight won’t be easy for us, but we will be going all out for the win which would give us at least one more competitive game in the competition.”