KILKENNY hurling manager Nicky Brennan can look out the window of his office at Avonmore Creameries and spy acres upon acres of lush Laois farmland. The county border is as good a reason as any why his charges won't be taking lightly the challenge of their neighbours in the Church and General National Hurling League quarter final at Thurles on Sunday.
The "derby" factor, however, is just one part of Brennan's prematch warning to his team not to underestimate Laois, a side rejuvenated by the presence of former Tipperary boss Babs Keating as manager.
"Guys like DJ Carey and Adrian Ronan know from their under 21 days that Laois teams, traditionally, gave them their toughest matches - and I expect Laois to have a similar passion on Sunday," said Brennan. "Sure they beat us in a Walsh Cup match in February, and even at that stage it was obvious they were benefitting from Babs Keating's presence.
But there are other factors which are sure to have Kilkenny - and, indeed, Laois - fired up for the clash, which acts as the first part of an attractive NHL quarter final "double header" also featuring Offaly and Wexford at Semple Stadium.
"As I see it, there are perhaps three main aspects: firstly, the fact we are neighbours; secondly the desire to see the team getting more competitive matches, along with the incentive of meeting Tipperary in the semi final; and thirdly, it will add a few bob to the county board's coffers," said Brennan.
"The team is the most important one, though," he insisted. "It is vital that we win in order to give some of the newer lads experience of a knock out situation.
Our form has been really good, since Christmas and, having reached this stage of the competition, it is up to us to try and go seven further."
The one worry in the Kilkenny camp centres around the fitness of team captain Michael Phelan, who has been given until Sunday morning to decide whether he is fit enough to face the Laoismen. Phelan will fill the centre half forward position if he is able to play.
"Michael has received quite a number of knocks of late, the latest being the one he suffered in the league match with Tipperary, Brennan said. "However, I am confident he will be able to take his place in the side."
Laois, for their part, still have an injury doubt surrounding defender John Taylor and, at this juncture, it is unlikely he will be able to line out.
Meanwhile, Tyrone under 21 manager Sean O'Kane has left three vacancies in the side to meet Armagh in the Ulster Championship at the Athletic Grounds tomorrow. Senior player Brian Doohan is ruled out through suspension, and Tyrone's problems are accentuated by injury worries to Terry McKenna (shoulder) and Gerry Cavlan (hamstring). Sean Corr and Sean Douglas, however, have won their fitness battles and will line out in attack.
And Wicklow are placing their faith in the An Tochar trio Shay Nolan, Donal McGillicuddy and Murt Davis to provide the attacking inspiration in their Leinster under 21 Championship encounter with Meath at Aughrim on Sunday. The three Roundwood men comprise the half forward line.
