A change of jersey is likely in Junior decider
BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
St Lachtain’s vs Russell Rovers
At the time of writing, it isn’t known which of Sunday’s finalists will take to the Croker pitch in their ‘home’ jersey. Both St Lachtain’s and Russell Rovers tops are quite similar, and echo links to the Kilkenny County jersey. All eyes will be on Jones’s Road venue when the teams appear from the changing rooms for the decider.
Don’t forget, Tullogher Rosbercon secured last season’s junior title wearing their black and amber stripes! Could it be an omen?
Noreside’s clubs have an impressive Junior history.
To add a little extra spice to Sunday’s decider which is a Cats vs Rebels encounter, Kilkenny lead Cork in Junior club titles won!
The All-Ireland Junior Club Hurling Championship has proved a fruitful competition for Marble City teams. As Freshford prepare for Sunday’s decider with Cork’s Russell Rovers, they will no doubt have been reminded of our county’s history at this grade. Kilkenny and Cork have provided SEVENTEEN winners of this competition – and one of these counties will add another to their respective tally’s.
As mentioned, the junior title is currently held by Tullogher Rosbercon, who were crowned champions last year, following their 11-point win over another Leeside team in St Catherine’s, whom Russell Rovers defeated to claim their county title earlier this season. There’s no doubt that Criomhthann Bergin will give everything to follow in the footsteps of Tullogher captain, Coleman O Sullivan and take those glory steps up the Hogan Stand and collect the silverware.
Following the Covid pandemic, Mooncoin reached the summit; and again, it was Cork opposition in the shape of Ballygiblin that were put to the sword by Pa Walsh and Co. That win sealed three wins on the bounce by Kilkenny teams, with Dunnamaggin and Conahy Shamrocks claiming the silverware before Mooncoin’s win. Indeed, Conahy’s victory was over none other than Freshford’s opponents this weekend, Russell Rovers.
Another brace of junior titles were gained in 2015 and 2016 as Glenmore and Bennettsbridge triumphed, while Thomastown and St Patrick’s Ballyraggett did the same in 2012 and 2013. The early 00’s saw a trio of victories for Kilkenny sides with junior titles secured by Conahy Shamrocks (‘08), Danesfort (‘07) and the trailblazers of Galmoy in 2005. No pressure St Lachtain’s! Hopefully the Freshford side can make it 12-6 in the Kilkenny vs Cork battle!
