Classy Cats power to more silverware

FOLLOWING the fireworks in Croke Park on Saturday night, an occasion chosen by the GAA to mark the opening of its 125th year celebrations, Kilkenny and Galway served notice yesterday that hurling too is ready to play its part in what could yet be a really special year for the GAA.

Following years of effort, this is Galway’s first year in Leinster — if it’s a sign of things to come, then hurling patrons are in for an interesting year.

Before we make any mention of the game, a word to those in the St Lachtain’s club in Freshford, who hosted this historic Walsh Cup final. On a day when Kilkenny resembled the Lake District, huge swaths of the county under water following 48 hours of almost non-stop rain, the pitch was in magnificent condition, which helped to facilitate the fine display of the ancient game put on by two well-matched sides.