Heffernan’s penalty blast

FORMER Kilkenny star Christy Heffernan has claimed Tipperary people have yet to get over the penalty that paved the way for the Cats’ 2009 All-Ireland final success.

The Glenmore man says they are “still crying” about Diarmuid Kirwan’s decision to award Richie Power a 63rd minute penalty, which was converted by Henry Shefflin to put Kilkenny one point up, a lead they didn’t relinquish.

Tomorrow marks the 20-year anniversary of the counties’ 1991 All-Ireland final, in which Michael Cleary scored the only goal of the game from a deflected free.

The awarding of the free by referee Willie Horgan for a foul by Bill Hennessy on Nicky English is still disputed in Kilkenny.

However, Heffernan insists the Cats’ objection to it is nothing like the outcry in Tipperary that he maintains is still evident two years on.

“Kilkenny said nothing about that free even though it was a free out but Tipp have to moan about the one (the penalty) two years ago,” lashed four-time All-Ireland winner Heffernan.

“I’ve been hearing about that free for the last two years but you just have to cop on. It’s game over and the decision is made.

“In ‘91, Willie Horgan made the decision, the ball ended up in the Kilkenny net and that was that. We got on with it.

“Tipp are still crying about what happened two years ago. To me, the best losers are Kilkenny and Cork. They just get on with it. I’ve many friends in Tipperary especially around Clonmel and we’ve had plenty of discussions about it but that’s my take on it.”

Heffernan is anticipating a tight affair on Sunday but is concerned about the lack of experience on the Kilkenny bench.

However, he takes some solace from the lack of injuries in the camp compared to last year.

“I expect it to be close. Kilkenny are in a better position in so far as we don’t have injured players going into the game. Henry is right, which is great, and Brian Hogan doesn’t have a broken finger like he had last year. He was missed in that game.

“I’d be worried that we’re not near as strong as we were on the bench. The experience of James Ryall, Derek Lyng and Martin Comerford is gone and that’s where we might be found wanting. John Dalton hasn’t yet regained his form from the league but he might be able to come in and Aidan Fogarty is on the mend but it’s a big ask for him after breaking his leg. That’s a tricky situation.”

Meanwhile, last year’s All-Ireland winning manager Liam Sheedy anticipates another classic is in the offing.

“Since the final whistle last year, most neutrals have been saying wouldn’t it great for them to meet again. Kilkenny and Tipperary supporters have certainly been hoping for it after wonderful finals over the last two years. There’s no doubt it has the makings of another epic battle. Both teams have made strong runs to the final and they’ll be going at it hammer and tongs to win. It’s set up to be just as good as the last two, one that will be remembered. One thing’s for sure — the atmosphere is only going to be electric on Sunday.”