Skills shine through under sun

Kilkenny 4-12 Hurling All Stars 4-12:POINT OF information from the Vodafone All Star tour to Argentina: it was warmer than the Bronx in 2007. Equally enjoyable for all present, it can also be confirmed.

The contest ended in a draw, 4-12 apiece, and nobody was to blame for this. Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh’s Spanish translator was enthusiastic as was the Irish diaspora who turned out in respectable numbers at the hurling club an hour outside Buenos Aires.

Most folk had drifted indoors by the time a decent game of soccer, amongst the locals and one reporter, took place on the hurling field.

In truth, these All Star occasions are tame in competitive terms but a crowd of travellers, along with the Irish-Americans embedded in the region, witnessed some skills unique to this wonderful game.

Most present were unaware of the significance, but a ridiculous sideline cut from a maturing Portumna man named Joe Canning kept the hurling faithful grinning to the finish.

Another clever piece of skill from Waterford’s Eoin McGrath ensured the locals were captivated until dusk. McGrath’s reverse hand pass to feed a decent line from Canning, that eventually delivered a goal, brought gasps even from the Semple Stadium disciples.

Honestly, and with no bias, this All Star tour has inspired the travelling Fourth Estate. The hurlers, along with their deranged entourage, know this adventure is a great opportunity to experience untapped parts of the map but they were equally aware it was a unique opportunity to parade the most skilful sport our island has to offer in the shadow of Christmas week.

Naturally, everyone enjoys themselves but hurling requires this outlet for global promotion. It would be a shame to let it drift into dormancy.

The Argentinian locals remain proud third-generation Irishmen, whose forefathers were forced to turn to other sporting pursuits like hockey and rugby by the depletion of ashen supplies during the second World War, sat amongst pure hurling men for two days unaware of the impact the game still has on our society.

The players, hilariously familiar with each other and easily reacquainted for the tour but, as Kilkenny manager Brian Cody noted in the aftermath, come the spring they will be back at each others throats.

As it should be in a proper man’s sport.

The match ended level after All-Ireland final referee Diarmuid Kirwan gave up the final minutes to his football equivalent Marty Duffy. It was a noble gesture, that had no impact on events, as a young Corkonian named Cathal Naughton tied matters late on.

We were assured no replay will be contemplated by the Central Competitions Control Committee at their upcoming session.

So, a 13-aside exhibition goes into the history books undecided but hurling’s finest exponents, under a hard December sun, did their duty.

SCORERS – 2008 (red): T Browne (0-2, Waterford), M Comerford (0-1, Kilkenny), E McGrath (1-1, Waterford), Eoin Kelly (0-4, Waterford), J Canning (1-1, Galway) B Carroll (2-1, Offaly), C Naughton (0-2, Cork).

2009 All Stars (Whites): T Walsh (0-1, Kilkenny), M Rice (1-2, Kilkenny), A McCrabbe (1-2, Dublin), L Corbett (1-2, Tipperary), R Power (0-1, Kilkenny), N McGrath (0-2, Tipperary), E Kelly (0-1, Tipperary), J Mullane (1-1, Waterford).