Fenians focus on finishing the job
In Kilkenny, at 3pm in Freshford on Saturday, there is a first-round replay to decide who will meet Clara in the last quarter-final, to be played on the following weekend. Fenians of Johnstown, backboned by All-Ireland heroes PJ Ryan and JJ Delaney, meet last year’s intermediate champions Erin’s Own of Castlecomer, and while Fenians would be favourites, no-one will be surprised should Castlecomer come through. They weren’t in the least overawed in the drawn match. This one will be close again.
The first quarter-final also takes place on Saturday, again at 3pm, this one in Thomastown where O’Loughlin Gaels face Dunnamaggin. Another good one in prospect here, the Hickey-powered Dunnamaggin defence trying to hold the likes of Martin Comerford, Mark Bergin, Maurice Nolan, Mark Kelly and Tipp’s Paul Kelly (no relation). Given that firepower, one would favour the Gaels, but never underestimate solid defence.
