U-21H FINAL/Kilkenny v Clare: THIS FIXTURE has thrown up so many great matches over the years that it's almost an assumption that tomorrow's Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland under-21 hurling final will be well up to the standard.
There’s good reason for the anticipation. Clare have arrived after a first provincial title, having negotiated an epic campaign through Munster and an All-Ireland semi-final that went to extra-time in a blaze of scores and ended with strong claims to have been the best match of the season.
Kilkenny aren’t regarded as having a vintage side, but the county’s structures have been so productive lately their under-age sides can glide into finals as favourites regardless of reputation.
Michael Walsh’s team have done what they had to en route to tomorrow, using cuteness and some hesitant Dublin defending, to amass a big early lead in the Leinster final, which they artfully defended before accounting for Antrim.
Clare’s emergence has been the source of much satisfaction in the county, as the team was regarded as so unlucky in last year’s Munster final to lose to Tipperary on a controversial, technical free awarded deep in injury-time.
The Munster campaign started with a bloodless thrashing of Limerick and a major haul for Colin Ryan of 3-9, but the Munster final against Waterford was a great match and showcased the scoring ability of Darach Honan, whose 2-2 included the late goal that clinched the title.
It’s a pity such an eagerly awaited match should have turned out to be so at the mercy of injuries.
Senior Kilkenny forward Richie Hogan has recovered sufficiently to be named at corner forward for tomorrow’s game, but Clare await news of Honan and Seán Collins.
Honan’s scoring record – five goals in three matches – would make last year’s minor an obvious loss and fingers are crossed he’ll be fully recovered from his hamstring injury.
Collins’ chances aren’t rated as highly, although there was more optimism later in the week, but a shoulder injury would be a major handicap for someone whose wing forward play depends so much on physical engagement and hunting for possession.
Overall, Clare’s momentum gives them an advantage.
They have come through excellent matches against strong opposition and are well tested.
Kilkenny’s progress hasn’t been as demanding and, although they are an excellent and well-drilled unit, their Munster opponents may well be the ones celebrating tomorrow evening.
KILKENNY: C McGrath; P Murphy, P Nolan, C Fogarty; L Ryan, D Langton, M Walsh; M Kelly, L Ryan; C Fennelly, M Bergin, J Mulhall; R Hogan, JJ Farrell, J Nolan.
