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All Ireland U21 Hurling Championship Semi Fianl - Down v Kilkenny
By Matt Fitzpatrick Down U21
hurlers step into the unknown tomorrow in Cusack Park, Mullingar when they face
hot favourites Kilkenny in the All-Ireland U21 semi-final (3.30pm). This is uncharted
waters for all the players who will be making their debut in an All-Ireland semi-final
in any grade. The Down management team of Martin Mallon,
Paul Coulter and Dermot O’Prey have had the side in training since early in the
year. It has already paid dividends with the annexing of the Ulster title for
the first time in 13 years. Now comes the big test against the strongest side
in the country. Kilkenny will be hoping to make it a third All-Ireland final for
the county having already reached the minor and senior deciders. Apart
from Paul Braniff, Stephen Clarke, Gareth Johnson, James Henry Hughes and Gabriel
Clarke who have played in the NHL, the rest of the Down squad are short on big-game
experience. There is also a possibility that star half-
back Fintan Conway will not be available for this game. He was sent off in a recent
Betsy Gray Cup game playing for Kilclief and a lot depends on the report of the
referee as to whether a suspension will apply to club games only or also include
county matches. In their defeats of champions Antrim and
Derry, this young and talented Down outfit have shown that they can mix it with
the best. However, you get no better than Kilkenny. It will be interesting to
see just how much Down have learned from their Ulster experience now they are
pitted against the best in the land. Kilkenny are a star-studded
outfit. They easily disposed of Dublin, Wexford and Offaly in their Leinster campaign.
Led by senior star Henry Shefflin they will be aiming to retain their All-Ireland
crown. The Down defence is sound with ’keeper Richard Murray in brilliant form
at present. In front of him, Gabriel Clarke, James Henry
Hughes and Ryan Conlon are sound. If Fintan Conway is not available then former
Ulster Colleges Allstar Paddy Hughes will be called into action. Indeed Hughes
may be a starter even if Conway is available. Midfield is an all-minor combination
with Brendan McGourty and Daniel McCusker having to produce their best form if
they are to make any impression tomorrow The Down attack
has shown that they can make and take scores. Paul Braniff is an established senior
player and much rests on his shoulders to get his side moving. Eoin and Stephen
Clarke and Gareth Johnson are all talented players and will really test the Kilkenny
defence to the full. To expect a Down victory would be
stretching it a bit far. However, a good performance would raise the standard
of hurling in the county and give hope for future successes. TEAM
NEWS Kilkenny (All-Ireland U21 HC semi-final v Down): D
Herrity; J Joyce, C Hickey, M Phelan; K. Coogan, J Tyrrell, JJ Delaney; S Hennity,
T Walsh; C Phelan, P Cleere, W O’Dwyer; A Fogarty, S O’Neill, B Dowling.
Down: to be announced later
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