Conran going all out for Railway redemption

FOR John Conran, tonight represents a shot at atonement. The last two seasons he has presided over Leinster hurling outfits that have succumbed to Munster in the interprovincial series, so tonight’s final clash between the pair in Portloaise provides the Wexford man with a chance to redress the slide of losses.

“It’s a big chance for our lads to make up for the last two years when Munster have beaten us. We were delighted to get away from Kiltoom last Saturday with a win over Connacht. It was a very bad day, very tough to play hurling in. We’ve had one get-together since then on Tuesday night in Carlow, but a good few lads were unavailable. Still, they’re looking forward to this.”

For a province many feel is in the throes of a black and amber dictatorship, the composition of the Leinster side attempts to reverse that perceptions. There are a clutch of Kilkenny stars at the core, but along with Offaly and Dublin featuring, some of the lesser lights also shine. Carlow man Edward Coady struck a goal from half-back during last weekend’s semi-final while Westmeath’s Brendan Murtagh chipped in with two points from centre-forward. Meath’s David Crimmins was introduced late on.