Sport

from Kilkenny Observer 22nd October 2021

by Kilkenny Observer

Gerry Cody

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny SHC semi- nal draw: Ballyhale Shamrocks v James Stephens Tullaroan v O’Loughlin Gaels

So far, the club championship has delivered some quality contests. is weekend’s o ering’s promises to serve up more hurling of the highest order.

Ballyhale Shamrocks v James Stephens 3:30pm Throw in @ UPMC Nowlan Park Indi erent in the league this season, it’s no surprise to anyone that over the course of their two championship games to date, Ballyhale have improved with each performance. ere is obviously a certain expectation that comes with wearing the Shamrocks jersey. e fact that James O’Connor’s charges are going for four county titles in a row brings additional for four county titles in a row brings additional pressure to those who take to the eld in each game. pressure to those who take to the eld in each game.

In the rst championship outing, they faced o against Graigue In the rst championship outing, they faced o against Graigue Ballycallan and conceded 2-20. ere’s no doubt that the Ballycallan and conceded 2-20. ere’s no doubt that the defence has analyzed that display and stepped up the defence has analyzed that display and stepped up the intensity, as their quarter- nal showing against league intensity, as their quarter- nal showing against league winners Bennettsbridge proved. Ballyhale were certainly more miserly at the back, and restricted their opponents to just ve scores in the second half, and only one from play.

While the ‘usual suspects’ have been motoring along nicely for the current All-Ireland club champions, there has been much praise for one of the newer recruits, Joe Cuddihy. In the rst round at John Locke Park, Cuddihy nished with an impressive tally of 1-5 and was most people’s man-of-the-match. Against the Bridge he capped another ne performance and hot 0-4 in the process. 2020 young hurler of the year, Eoin Cody has continued his inter-county form with the club. e continued his inter-county form with the club. e nippy forward has notched 0-10 in the championship nippy forward has notched 0-10 in the championship to date, and has been involved in everything good to date, and has been involved in everything good about the Shamrocks attacking play this season. Another about the Shamrocks attacking play this season. Another forward contributing the same scoring return is the forward contributing the same scoring return is the evergreen Colin Fennelly. His two-goal salvo against Graigue evergreen Colin Fennelly. His two-goal salvo against Graigue was to prove crucial in getting the lackluster Shamrocks over the was to prove crucial in getting the lackluster Shamrocks over the line that day.

In all games, the accuracy from placed balls is vital in securing victory, and in TJ Reid, Ballyhale shouldn’t be found wanting in this area.

In mid eld, Ronan Corcoran has also been hugely impressive. As well as helping his side come out on top in the middle sector, he also managed to hit 0-3 last time out. Corcoran will be hoping to dominate the middle third and ensure a good supply of ball for his talented and accurate front six.

Evan She in will look to keep things tight at the back and will need his fellow defenders bring the intensity form the last round into this weekend’s semi- nal. e Ballyhale rearguard will certainly be expecting a busy afternoon, as their opponents, James Stephens have quality in the attacking zone.

Eoin Guilfoyle has been impressive all season, and will need to take advantage of any indiscipline from Shamrocks via the placed ball. He has great support from Cian Kenny, who hit 0-6 last time out against city rivals Dicksboro. e Village have their own version of Ronan Corcoran in Luke Scanlon. e towering mid elder will bring the battle to Ballyhale and as he’s shown in games this season, he can hit a score or two as well.

Goal-scoring quarter- nal hero, Shane Donohue, may not nd the opportunity to run the length of the park to raise a green ag this time. One would expect the Shamrocks forwards will keep the Village defence su ciently busy this weekend. e expected battle between Niall Brassill and Tj Reid could prove to be an exciting and interesting contest. e James Stephens centre-back will be keen to restrict the in uence of his opponent and knows that any slip will be punished by the legendary forward. Niall can also hit a long-range score, so TJ will have to stick tight to his marker throughout. e Village may look to nd starting berths for both Eoin Larkin and team captain Conor Browne, both of whom were extremely in uential when they entered the fray in the narrow victory of the Boro. is encounter, a repeat of the 2019 nal could be a feisty a air and both sides will know that maintaining the full quota of players on the pitch will be key to getting over the line. James Stephens haven’t won a county title in ten years; you’d be a brave man to back them de-throning Ballyhale this weekend.

Fab four seek final berth

• e Village will pose serious test for Shamrocks • Gaels vs Sash could be epic

Fancy a flutter?

As we’ve said before, the bookies are seldom wrong. as we go to print, Ballyhale are expected to complete their quest for 4-in-a-row county titles. The betting experts believe that O’Loughlin Gaels are best placed to take the crown should the Shamrocks falter. ‘Tullawalsh’ as I like to call them are the rank outsiders to take the county honours. But with Padraig, Tommy & Co on board, the Sash will go down fighting. • Ballyhale Shamrocks 4/7 • O’loughlin Gaels 10/3 • James Stephens 9/2 • Tullaroan 14/1 (Prices courtesy of BoyleSports) Tullaroan v O’Loughlin Gaels 1.30pm Throw in @ UPMC Nowlan Park

Should this semi- nal turn into a toe-to-toe battle, the Sash Should this semi- nal turn into a toe-to-toe battle, the Sash will not be found wanting. will not be found wanting. e Walsh – backed team have shown this season that they are not afraid to roll the sleeves up and get stuck in. In their two championship games to date, Tullaroan have shipped four six goals, and they will no doubt want to tighten things up at the back against the Gaels this Sunday. Sunday. e performances of county star and number 6, Padraig Walsh will be key in helping to decide this game. Padraig has been excellent this season all over the pitch. He has also weighed in with 0-8 in this year’s championship to date, seven of which came in his sides extra-time victory over league nalists Clara. If the Sash can get Padraig on the ball, he will dictate proceedings with his customary style and class. I would imagine that O’Loughlin Gaels will have a plan for the classy PW. Could this be one Mr. Paddy Deegan? e renowned inter-county man-marker has been deployed in the forward line during this season’s club matches. is could prove a master-stroke in curbing the in uence of PW.

While Tommy stole many of the headlines following his goal against Clara, it has been Shane Walsh that has been responsible for keeping the scoreboard ticking over. Against Erins Own he nished with a tally of 0-9 and then went three better in the quarter- nal win over Clara, registering 0-12. Shane has been deadly from frees and will look to continue his streak on Sunday. While the bookies rank the Sash as the least likely team to win the county title, they possess some ne hurlers, Walsh’s aside.

In Mossy Keoghan, they have a hurler that Brian Cody hasn’t been shy of putting his faith in. Keoghan will run all day and will chip in with a score or two. Dylan Simpson is another that will trouble the score board and bring great vigor to the game. John Walton and omas Dunne will leave all on the turf and all will be driven on by Martin Walsh.

Sunday’s opponents, O’Loughlin Gaels are seen by the punters as the most likely challengers to the immovable force that is Ballyhale. Andy Comerford’s side have been motoring along nicely this season, very much below radar. ey began their championship campaign with a 13-point win over a disappointing Rower-Inistioge team. e afore mentioned Paddy Deegan hit ve lovely points that day and was the talk of the town. Not to be outdone be his club mate, Eoin Wall hit 2-2 and has also been lively and accurate in attack this season. e Sash defence will need to have their wits about them as Wall certainly Know’s where the net is! Mark Bergin will be keen to match anything that his opposite number Shane Walsh can do on Sunday. Tullaroan will also need to keep tabs on Eoin O’Shea and Conor Kelly too. In Defence, Huw Lawlor will be ready to deal with whatever he is faced with and will rise to the challenge.

O’Loughlin’s quarter- nal match with beaten shield nalists Mullinavat was a much closer a air with the city side 6 points ahead at the long whistle. Again, new-found attacking sensation Paddy Deegan hit 1-1, while his partner in crime Mark Bergin hit 1-10. ey lead for all that game, and when Mullinavat started to close the gap, Deegan dropped into the middle third to nullify the threat.

Should this game go the distance, and beyond into extra-time, Tullaroan will fancy their chances of prevailing in their role as the underdog. VERDICT – Too close to call, The Bookies say O’Loughlin’s ...but it might be The Sash!

>> SHERRY SAYS...

UPMC Nowlan Park will be buzzing on Sunday. e nal four in this year’s St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny senior club championship will take to the hallowed turf at the home of hurling.

We have been treated to some great matched this season so far, and one feels that Sunday’ servings might just improve on that!

O’Loughlin Gaels vs Tullaroan, now that’s a tasty clash. ese two sides will start the ball rolling on Sunday. e match-up will again prove crucial. Will Paddy Deegan pick up inter - county team mate, Padraig Walsh? Whichever of these two talented and classy hurlers has the better game, could well swing it in their team’s favour. e dead ball will as usual, be a primary source of scores for both teams. Shane Walsh vs Mark Bergin. Now that has a quality ring to it. e Sash with their 20 titles in the cabinet would love to get back on the club throne, their last title was way back in 1994 - Ray Houghton vs Italy – remember that goal? e supporters will no doubt make themselves heard on Sunday and this will make for a fantastic atmosphere.

Following the Sash and Gaels clash, comes James Stephens and Ballyhale. e city side will be pumped up for this semi- nal clash. ey know that the task ahead won’t be easy – but they will lay it all on the line at 3:30pm on Sunday.

Scanlon, Brassill, Eoin Larkin, Conor Browne – these boys will empty the tank. In Guilfoyle they have a reliable free taker with a little more to his game also. Cian Kenny will keep Holden & She in busy.

Joe Cuddihy, Eoin Cody, Colin Fennelly and TJ Reid – a tantalising mix of forward artistry. e Shamrocks have been improving with each quarter of hurling. ey showed this in their win over league holders Bennettebridge. eir quest for 4-in-a-row county titles goes on – and I have a sneaky suspicion it will continue beyond Sunday.

Catch these games if you can. Kilkenny club hurling – it’s where it’s at.

Sport Defensive Diamond - Davina Tobin

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

GOING into this season, Kilkenny’s senior camog’s had high hopes of successfully defending their title.

Brian Dowling’s charges never put together the complete 60-minute performance, and eventually came up short against the rebels of Cork.

However, the team’s e orts have not gone unnoticed, as seven players have been nominated for the Camogie Assocation’s All-Stars.

All-Ireland Senior Champions Galway lead this year’s nominations, with 12 players selected on the list.

Runners-up Cork follow closely with 10 nominations. Tipperary have 5 players shortlisted, while both Waterford and Down have one nominee each. e awards take place at a gala banquet at the Osprey Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare on Friday, November 26th, providing additional covid restrictions are not implemented.

The Kilkenny Nominees for the 2021 All-Stars

Goalkeeper: Aoife Norris

Full-Back Line:

Davina Tobin Collette Dormer

Half-Back Line:

Meighan Farrell

Half-Forward Line:

Denise Gaule Katie Nolan Mary O’Connell Mary O’Connell

Mary O’Connell bursts through Dowling’s wexford defence

magnificent 7! magnificent 7!

Senior ladies set for awards recognition

St Martins Sharp=shooter Katie Nolan

Denise Gaule - The ‘Windgap Wonder’ Sarah Crowley Roisin Phelan

Leann Fennelly

Kilkenny’s Perfect 10!

John Scott’s ladies recognised in ‘Soaring Stars’ nominations

Sophie O’Dwyer Despite tasting nal heartbreak against Antrim at headquarters last month, Kilkenny intermediate Camogie team have seen their season’s e orts acknowledged by the Camogie Association.

No fewer than TEN members of John Scott’s team have been nominated for the Soaring Stars awards that take place at a gala banquet at the Osprey Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare on Friday, November 26th, providing additional 26th, providing additional covid restrictions are not covid restrictions are not implemented. implemented. Kilkenny’s Kilkenny’s conqueror’s conqueror’s Antrim also have Antrim also have ten players ten players selected. selected. Beaten semiBeaten semi nalists nalists Galway, have ve players in the mix, while Meath see four ladies in the running. Laois Laois make up the make up the intermediate intermediate nominees nominees with one player with one player recognised. recognised. Wexford, Premier Wexford, Premier

Junior winners this year, Junior winners this year, see three players selected, see three players selected, while their beaten opponents, Armagh also have three nominees. nominees.