Kilkenny focus will not be blurred

LEINSTER SHC FINAL Kilkenny v Galway:THE LEINSTER hurling final we were all expecting comes around with a slight sense of anti-climax. Kilkenny weren't remotely tested by Dublin but there was enough dynamism about the performance as well as a visible tussle for starting places to impress upon everyone the five-in-a-row is sharpening into focus.

Supplementing this belief is the decline in form by likely challengers, including tomorrow’s opponents. It’s Galway who, inconveniently for the handicappers, have been hit with misfortune. David Burke, whose partnership at centrefield with Ger Farragher had been blossoming, showed rashness and inexperience when retaliating for a red card in the Offaly replay. His skill and energy will be missed.

Already injury has ruled out two of the team’s most effective performers against Kilkenny. Fergal Moore, the sort of technically accomplished defender needed against the champions, is out for the season and Niall Healy, whose three goals five years ago are part of legend, had to be replaced last week after picking up a hamstring injury. Joe Canning needs to be at his best to create space for the other forwards as well as threaten the necessary goal damage if Kilkenny are to be upset. Damien Hayes played superbly last week but tomorrow will be played at far higher altitude.

Perhaps if matters are evenly poised in the final quarter there could be a role for young Richie Cummins, whose direct running helped set up scores when he was introduced during the NHL victory in Nowlan Park. But that was comparatively a shadow Kilkenny performance.

Tomorrow’s for real and with the (at times over-) urgency of the forwards against Dublin and the evident eagerness to get his place back displayed by Aidan Fogarty as well as the calm reliability of Henry Shefflin prompting the attack and converting stacks of frees, it’s hard to see a way past for Galway.

KILKENNY: P.J.Ryan; J Dalton, N Hickey, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, J.J.Delaney; M Rice, M Fennelly; T.J.Reid, E Brennan, E Larkin; M Comerford, R Power, H Shefflin.

In the last episode: Last year's Leinster semi-final in Tullamore resulted in a stern challenge to the champions by Galway, before Kilkenny eased away for a four-point win.

You bet: Kilkenny are heavily backed at 2 to 5, Galway 9 to 4 and the draw 10 to 1.

On your marks: Can Joe Canning lead the charge as effectively as he did for the first three quarters last year against a defence with Noel Hickey back ensconced on the edge of the square? If not the game's over for Galway.

Gaining ground: The last time the counties met at Croke Park three years ago, Kilkenny took an hour to shake off Galway before running out 10-point winners. But Galway are the last team to defeat the Cats here.

Just the ticket: Stand tickets (€ 35 – no concessions in Hogan), Family tickets for the Cusack and Davin stands (adults € 35, children € 5). Terrace (€ 20, no concessions). Students and OAPs € 15 rebate.

Crystal gazing: With a match under their belts Kilkenny can see off the challenge without too much trauma.