Young dual stars taking up the baton in Blackrock

A rare Féile double proves something is stirring in Blackrock writes John Riordan.

THERE are more sports than ever vying for the attentions of the nation’s youth. But if underage dominance counts for anything, then the recently secured Cork Féile double by Blackrock’s hurlers and the footballers of sister club St Michael’s must mean the famed fishing village is on the verge of a major restocking.

All-Ireland success now beckons and the hurlers are first up this weekend, travelling to Loughrea in Galway (the hurling is officially hosted by Laois/Offaly with a little help from Galway and Tipperary) where they must negotiate a way past Loughrea, Tynagh/Abbey Duniry (also Galway) and Wexford.