The records of club hurling in Kilkenny clearly define the modern day success rate of Graigue-Ballycallan, originally two teams from the parish of Kilmanagh who amalgamated 32 years ago. The club will be trying for a third senior county championship title at Nowlan Park on Sunday when the less experienced O'Loughlins will be providing the nonetheless formidable opposition.
Winners of the title in 1998 and last year, Graigue-Ballycallan were just pipped in extra-time by Athenry in last year's All-Ireland club final. To have that huge disappointment redressed presents an added incentive for progress on Sunday.
But in a Comerford-inspired O'Loughlins team in which Andy is joined by brothers Martin and Jimmy, the holders face a stiff test. However, Denis Byrne, Adrian Ronan and Michael Hoyne power the holders' attack which was impressive when sharing in a five points semi-final win over Castlecomer. Graigue-Ballycallan would feel a lot happier about their midfield chances if their captain and star midfielder of last year James Young was fully fit, but his shoulder injury is slow to recover and he remains an extremely doubtful starter.
Given the inspiring role that Andy Comerford is bound to play for O'Loughlins in the area, Young's absence would be a severe blow to the champions prospects of retaining the coveted trophy. Alan Geoghegan and O'Loughlins' latest upgraded countyman Seβn Dowling can prove additional sources of inspiration for the keyed-up challengers. However, Graigue-Ballycallan are perhaps a team of greater balance and as such are fancied to win, albeit by a slender margin.
Former Meath county footballer Tommy Dowd is looking forward to helping Dunderry to the county hurling title against Trim in Athboy on Sunday. "I always loved hurling more so than football", says Dowd "It's a far better game, none of your pulling and dragging." Dowd will figure at centre half back.
The Roscommon senior hurling decider in Athleague should see Four Roads, the only non-Galway club to win the Connacht champoinship, defeat St Dominics.
The Laois county final replay between Portarlington and Stadbally sees Hughie Emerson start at full forward for Portarlington with David Sweeney at midfield. Stradbally, however, are favourites to land their 18th title.
Members of Tipperary's winning All-Ireland team return to club action on Sunday with the four-quarter finals of the county championship down for decision. They include Mullinahone's Eoin Kelly and Brian O'Meara, Clonulty-Rossmore's Declan Ryan, Thurles Sarsfirelds' Lar Corbett and Eddie Enright, Toomevara's Thomas Dunne and Cappawhite's Thomas Costello.
