Kilkenny’s craft should be decisive

WITH the county in line for a clean sweep of All-Ireland hurling titles and the intermediate one already in the bag, the minors of Kilkenny will endeavour to keep the ball rolling against Galway in their final tomorrow (1.30 pm).

This will be Galway’s fourthfinal appearance in six years while Kilkenny are contesting their fifth over the same period.

The Cats will start favourites on the strength of their crushing victory over pre-championship favourites Tipperary in the semi-final but Galway have a habit of spoiling the party.

Both counties have built up an intense rivalry over the years. Galway lost out to Kilkenny in the 2003 final, while the following year, the Connacht side reversed the result and in the process denied the Cats three-in-a-row.

Galway go into tomorrow’s game having played two championship matches, against Wexford and Cork, while Kilkenny have had four, against Wexford twice, Laois and Carlow.

Wexford went into that game off the back of six Leinster championship matches (from the round robin series) and hurled superbly in Semple Stadium for most of the hour. They were shaping up as likely winners when they led by a point with 10 minutes to go and when Galway were reduced to 13 players, it looked odds on a win for the Model County.

However, the Connacht side pulled themselves up by their bootlaces and denied Wexford with two late points. It was their never-say-die attitude which pleased coach Mattie Murphy most and the win sharpened their talons as they faced a highly-rated Cork side in the semi-final

That game was nip-and-tuck for long periods and they were level 10 times until Richard Cummins’ goal at the three-quarter stage proved the decisive score, and they went on to win by four points.

There was nothing spectacular about Galway’s victory. It was workmanlike, but they played with a toughness that Cork couldn’t match.

Kilkenny, on the other hand, were awesome in their semi-final thrashing of Tipperary, and it prompted their coach Richie Mulrooney to say it was the complete performance.

Tipperary were chasing a three-in-a-row, had seven of last year’s team available, but on the day were completely outhurled by a Kilkenny side who will take some beating if they produce the same form.

Like most Kilkenny minor teams, this present side is awash with talent. Full-back Michael Walsh, midfielder Cathal Kenny and wing-forward Joe Brennan are a trio destined to make it on to the senior team in due course.

Brennan’s contribution of eight points against Tipp, evenly divided between frees and play, marks him out as a special talent. Whichever Galway defender picks him up to-morrow will have his work cut out to hold the St Patrick’s youngster.

Galway are not without their stars. They have excellent defenders in Gerard O’Halloran and Niall Donoghue while forwards David Burke, his namesake Niall and Richard Cummins will pose a lot of problems for the Kilkenny defence.

Galway manager Mattie Murphy has expressed concern about his midfielders, and will want a lot more out of them if they are to triumph. A fascinating duel is in prospect. It’s Kilkenny craft and skill against Galway’spassion and commitment, and invariably the skill wins out.

Verdict: Kilkenny