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Treatymen to pull cats’ claws?
 By
David Thorpe
It used to be that the only things which could cause the streets of Ireland
to empty on a Sunday were Mass and the All-Ireland final. But while the
pull of the Church has lessened in recent years this weekend the streets
will be abandoned for the comfort of the armchair and the high stool as
Kilkenny and Limerick clash in the All-Ireland hurling final.
It’s a match that will be all about contrasts. Colourful and talkative
Limerick manager Richie Bennis will be hoping to guide his county to a
first All-Ireland in 32 years while the patrician and studied Kilkenny
manager Brian Cody will be hoping to guide the Cats to their fourth Liam
McCarthy triumph in six years.
Amazingly for a team with so many matches under their belt this season
Limerick have no injury concerns going into the final while a Kilkenny
side which has hardly exited second gear to reach another All-Ireland
final have concerns over a couple of key performers.
It is also believed that manager Richie Bennis will not make any personnel
changes although team captain Damien Reale may be assigned a man-marking
job on Henry Shefflin.
New goalkeeper PJ Ryan sustained a broken arm against Wexford he has
had a plate inserted but is hopeful of making the final although his participation
is in serious doubt.
Kilkenny sources revealed to The Irish Post this week that in Ryan’s
absence it is unlikely that the experienced understudy James McGarry would
play as he is still recovering from the death of his wife in a car accident.
That means third-choice keeper Richie O’Neill could find himself
thrust into the white heat of an All-Ireland final having not played for
the county in more than a year.
The Cats also have injury concerns over full-back Noel Hickey. If he misses
out then the experienced John Tennyson is likely to receive a call-up
to play in his fourth All-Ireland final.
Kilkenny undoubtedly have the most strength in depth of any panel in Ireland
and are better equipped to cope with injuries than any other team.
The hunger, youth and enthusiasm of a success-starved Limerick outfit
is likely to mean they are the neutrals’ favourite to triumph on
Sunday but Kilkenny have the patience, quality and experience to triumph
on the biggest stage of all.
Whoever wins on Sunday this has been one of the most memorable hurling
Championships in decades.
Only one of Damien Reale or Jackie Tyrell will climb the famous Croke
Park steps to lift the Liam McCarthy Cup but whichever it is the hurling
fans of Britain and Ireland are the real winners this season. |
