In-form Kingdom set for tough test

FROM several angles, forecasting tonight’s Munster U21FC final in Tralee should be a no-brainer. History is on Kerry’s side as they stand as the provincial market leaders in this grade with 25 titles whereas Tipperary are still in search of their first crown.

The form is with Kerry after they ousted last year’s All-Ireland champions Cork by eight points in the first round and then hammered Waterford in the semi-final. They have top players in Barry John Walsh, John Buckley and Barry John Keane who are poised to break into the senior ranks before the summer’s out. And to top it off, they have home advantage in Austin Stack Park.

But despite all that, Tipperary still have a real chance here. Unlike past underage sides from the county this group of players cannot be accused of lacking in big game experience. For Ciarán McDonald, John Coghlan and Sean Carey, this is their third consecutive Munster U21 decider and the rest of the team have accrued experience from last year’s Munster U21 final and the past two minor deciders. That should help them not be overawed by the occasion tonight.