Brennan: Kilkenny not feeling pressure

THE Allianz National Hurling League campaign was disappointing but Kilkenny are not feeling the pressure of chasing an unique place in GAA history.

So says Eddie Brennan, who has been a constant presence as the Cats have stamped their authority on the hurling world.

According to the Portlaoise-based garda, there is no burden in chasing an unprecedented fifth All-Ireland title in-a-row. Kilkenny have dealt with the hype surrounding three-in-a-row and four-in-a-row campaigns so they know what to expect. And Brennan argues that the pressure is on the chasing pack to dethrone the long-standing kingpins.

“We’ve experienced it all, we’ve dealt with it before; as far as I’m concerned the pressure is on someone to stop us at this stage,” said Brennan at yesterday’s launch of the 11th annual FBD All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge at Palmerstown House, in Johnstown, Co Kildare.

“We just go about our own business, get our own house in order. If we’re good enough we’re good enough and that’s the cold hard facts. There’s no kind of punchlines or anything that will tell you any different. It’s as simple as that.

“If Kilkenny want it bad enough we’ll win it.

“If we don’t Cork, whoever it is, they’ll gladly want the title off us. We’ll see. It’ll be a great campaign anyway.”

The question of hunger has been a constant one surrounding the Cats, although more in amazement that they have maintained it over such a sustained period, rather than in any doubt. Losing three home games to Cork, Tipperary and Galway in the league has led to some soul-searching and Brennan expects the situation to be much clearer by the end of May.

“I suppose we’ll see when we go back in training. We’re off with the clubs at the moment (but) we’ll see where lads’ heads are at (when we return). Lads have to knuckle down now. It’s championship fare. Two strikes and you’re out is the reality for us.”

Brennan took his first prolonged break from the county side earlier this term after getting married.

But he couldn’t clear his mind completely of Nowlan Park and Brian Cody.

“You’re worried when you’re away like that. You’re worried are you losing ground on the rest of the panel.

“I suppose it was more for the head than anything else. I’ve been on the go since the winter of ‘99. I’ve never really got a break. It was probably a welcome thing in a way... it was more for the head than anything else. I can’t wait for it because in five months the championship is going to be over. The window is after getting very small all of a sudden.”

Needless to say, he will have a keen eye on Sunday’s league final. And while he reckons both Galway and Cork will want to win, he fancies that the Rebels will have one eye on the impending championship clash with old rivals Tipperary on May 30.

“Cork are hungry and you can see that in them this year. They’re very hungry and they’re going about their business in a good way… they’re going to be dangerous. I expect a good game on Sunday. Both teams will really want to win that league final. I suppose then Cork are out in three or four weeks after that. They’ll focus hard on Sunday and they’ll want to win that match but their attention will turn to Tipp. That’s probably the real start of it all.”