Cats ready to dethrone dangerous Tribe, says Walsh

KILKENNY will look to stay on course for a clean sweep on All-Ireland hurling titles, when they play Galway in the under-21 hurling championship semi-final in Thurles this afternoon (2.30pm).

Team coach Michael Walsh, a former All-Ireland senior winner and son of the late Ollie, will include two seniors, TJ Reid and Richie Hogan in his team, and is under no illusions about the task that confronts his charges this afternoon.

“Galway are the reigning champions and are a very seasoned group of players, with 11 of last year’s panel available to them,” said Michael. “I know it’s their first game in the championship, but their players have been very active at club level and having won the corresponding minor All-Ireland title, they will be very difficult to beat.

“Hurling in the county is at an all-time high at the minute. We have won one All-Ireland title so far (intermediate), and with the minors and seniors in their respective finals, it would be great if we could make it at U21 level.

“Despite the fact that this will be our third game in the competition (Kilkenny beat Dublin and Offaly to win the Leinster title) we can take nothing for granted. We’ll give it all we have and see where it takes us.”

It’s the same old story for Galway coach Vincent Mullen, with no championship game played to date. “We had eight players on the senior panel which proved a huge hindrance to us in terms of preparation,” said Mullen.

“For us to have any chance we’ll need to hit the ground running, and not let Kilkenny get into their stride. We went into last year’s semi-final against Cork in similar circumstances and it was only in extra time that we showed our worth.

“Last Saturday was the first time we managed to get the full panel together, and that is not ideal preparation. Having said that, all the players are hurling with their clubs and are very fit.

“Kilkenny are on the crest of a wave and are in line for a clean sweep. If we could get a good start, I would be very hopeful of victory.”

The Connacht side will pick from two All-Ireland winning minor teams, 2005 and 2006. Their team will include the supremely-talented Joe Canning, and Kilkenny will have to put the shackles on him to have any chance of winning. Senior goalkeeper James Skehill, Alan Leech, John Greene and Aidan Harte are also in line to start.

The second semi-final involved Tipperary and Derry in Tullamore, and on paper at least it should be easy for the Premier County.

However they have to pick up the pieces from last Sunday’s senior defeat by Waterford. Tipp have rode their luck in the championship this season.

Limerick should have beaten them in the Munster semi-final while they edged out Clare in controversial circumstances in the Munster final in Ennis a couple of weeks ago.

Derry were surprise winners of the Ulster title, which was played on a round-robin basis, and with three wins under their belt, won’t be lacking in preparation.

Team coach Brian McGilligan is fearful of a backlash from Tipp after the defeat of their seniors last Sunday.

“Nine of our team are members of the county senior team also.

“Our team is too good to be annihilated. We’ll match Tipp for skill, but our problem is lack of speed to control and to get the sliotar into the hand fast. If we could master that art, we’d be a match for anyone.

“I hope our lads will perform to the best of their ability. If they do, we are in with a chance.”

Tipperary will include three seniors, Seamus Callinan, Pa Bourke and Paddy Stapleton, and having gone 13 years without a title, will be keen to reach the final and atone for their 2006 final defeat to Kilkenny.

Despite last Sunday’s senior reversal, Tipp should win the U21 game with something to spare, while Galway should edge Kilkenny out in their semi-final.