Defensive solidarity crucial to Kilkenny’s Grand Slam dream

HAVING won the minor, intermediate and senior All-Ireland titles, Kilkenny bid to complete the clean sweep of hurling crowns with victory over Tipperary in tomorrow’s Bord Gáis U21 final at Croke Park.

Kilkenny are confident of achieving the quartet having won this grade 10 times since its inception in 1964, while their last success came in 2006 at the expense of the Premier County in a replay in Thurles.

Tipp have eight titles, the last won in 1995 when they defeated Kilkenny (1-14 to 1-10). Tomorrow’s clash in the ninth between these rivals with the record locked at four apiece.

The Cats accounted for a highly rated Galway in a splendid semi-final. Kilkenny dominated for long periods but wasted numerous chances. Had Tribesmen tyro Joe Canning being fully fit, they may have paid the price.

Richie Hogan, despite a poor afternoon from placed balls, hit 2-4 from play, and he will be a huge threat for the Tipperary defence. Brother Paddy was outstanding at centre back, while behind him Kieran Joyce impressed and the Tipperary attack will earn their scores.

But the Kilkenny attack isn’t a one-man operation. Colin Fennelly, Mathew Ruth and another senior star TJ Reid have proven their potency throughout this campaign.

Tipperary have been anything but impressive this season. Had Limerick any self belief, they would have won dumped the Premier County out at the first hurdle in Munster while Tipp were extremely fortunate to defeat Clare in a controversial provincial decider.

Though they won their All-Ireland semi-final against Derry by 13 points, they were unable to put the opposition away.

Tipperary have some excellent forwards in seniors Pa Bourke and Seamus Callinan, but both will have to play to their potential if their side is to succeed.

The outcome of tomorrow’s final is likely to hinge on how both defences cope with the respective attacks. Kilkenny appear to hold more aces in this area, but the Tipp defence is strong with Padraig Maher and Thomas Stapleton as good a pair as there is around.

Tipperary are desperate for an All-Ireland hurling title after a season that promised much but delivered little. However, Kilkenny get the vote to complete the Grand Slam.