Real test for St Flannan's

The more challenging phase in St Flannan's defence of the All-Ireland hurling title starts on Saturday when they play the first Munster semi-final of the Dr Harty Cup. And the fact that they are going for a third provincial title in succession is just part of the extra incentive this year.

The Ennis school travel to Kilmallock to take on Thurles CBS not only as favourites to retain their title but also with the opportunity to become the first side since 1968 to win a hurling and football double in Munster - a feat last achieved by Colaiste Chriost Ri of Cork. Next weekend the footballers will play against Intermediate School, Killorglin in their semi-final of the Murray Cup.

Included in the St Flannan's side are seven dual players, most notably the experienced Galway minor John Culkin at centre back. Twelve of last year's hurling panel return - most significantly, captain Ronan Looney and forwards Brendan Gantly, Robert Conlon and Aidan Quinn.

Still, St Flannan's are taking nothing for granted. "You can't start thinking about the double until you win one," says joint hurling coach Michael McInerney. "We haven't played Thurles yet this year and we know they're going to be a tough side." In total, St Flannan's have won the Munster cup 18 times, with the last three in succession coming between 1989-91.

Surprisingly, this is the first year that no Cork school contests either the senior football or hurling honours in Munster - a scenario all the more remarkable considering the county's achievements last year.

In Leinster, the senior hurling championship enters the quarterfinal stages tomorrow. St Kieran's of Kilkenny, the holders and beaten All-Ireland finalists last year, are the last into the fray on Friday when they meet St Peter's of Wexford. It's now down to the semi-finals in the football, where next week holders Good Counsel meet St Patrick's of Navan and St Mel's of Longford face Moate Community School.