Double header to decide finalists
BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Semi Finals Preview
O’Loughlin Gaels vs Bennettsbridge (1:45pm)
Thomastown vs Mullinavat (3:45pm)
Sunday, UPMC Nowlan Park
Only four teams now remain in the hunt for this year’s Tom Walsh Cup. There has been some great hurling played to date, and both semi-final encounters promise much as all sides know the prize for gaining victory this weekend.
First up is the clash between O’Loughlin Gaels and Bennettsbridge. The current title holders were pushed all the way by a young and hungry Dicksboro side last time out, and despite playing the guts of 20 minutes with 13 men, The Loughs showed tremendous fighting spirit, in the right sense, to overpower the Palmerstown outfit, despite being numerically disadvantaged.
The potential battle between Huw Lawlor and Liam Blanchfield could be pivotal. If the bustling ‘Bridge man is fit enough to start the last four contest, one of the country’s finest full backs will know he’s been in a game. The second of Clan Blanchfield, Kevin has a big role to play in the engine room, where Jack Nolan and Jamie Ryan have been operating for O’Loughlin’s. Last, but by no means least, David has been anchoring The ‘Bridge defence with great success from the centre back position. Aerially, very strong, the County man will normally be found on the scoresheet as well and the dynamic towering Blanchfield will drive is team on to the very end.
Placed ball accuracy for both sides will be key, and in Nicky Cleere, Tim Dooley’s side have a reliable man undertaking this duty, while the aforementioned David Blanchfield will perhaps hit the longer-range ones when they present themselves. Mark Bergin’s availability, at the time of writing is still unknown, following his dismissal against the ‘Boro, so the newest addition to the holder’s team, Fionan Mackessy may find himself on dead ball duty for his side on Sunday. The Kerry man’s transition to his new club has been seamless, and the current Poc Fada champion has been hugely influential in the St Johns Park’s drive to defend their club crown on Noreside.
Wing back’s, Jordan Molloy and David Fogarty are a match for anyone, and their pivot in the centre, Paddy Deegan will ensure there is no slacking in the rearguard. While some regard Fogarty as the ‘classier’ hurler, every team needs a Jordan Molloy. His attitude, intensity and controlled aggression make him a vital cog in Brian Hogan’s team. Luke Hogan is a constant presence in the forward line, while the nippy Owen Wall and Sean Bolger will provide serious work rate across the pitch.
Jason Cleere and Sean Morrissey will look to cause trouble for the Loughs defence and both know that young Jack Campion is bursting to get onto the pitch and deliver for the ‘Bridge. Conor Walsh is one of the players that has caught the eye and has benefited greatly from having David Blanchfield beside him. This clash could get tasty and those in attendance will be hoping for a classic.
The second of Sunday’s Double header throws up the pairing of Thomastown and Mullinavat. These two sides recently contested the Shield Final, with the Vegas Boys coming out on top that day by 6 points. Having joined the top table this season, Noel Doherty’s charges have settled in nicely and have taken all in their stride. They ended a run of three defeats on the trot, by claiming the scalp of Shamrocks Ballyhale in their last eight clash.
The form of Donnelly’s Robbie and John has been key to Thomastown’s run in this season’s championship. The former was very much on song in the win over Tullaroan, top scoring as they put The Sash to the sword, after extra time. Captain Peter Mc Donald, Zach Bay Hammond and Luke Connellan provide a serious level of dynamism across the pitch and will be determined to make a second consecutive county final, all be it, this one is at the highest level.
What can you say about Mullinavat? They keep on delivering and turning in performances that surprise many. They have some serious hurlers, a good mix of youth and experience and don’t fear any opponent. At the back, Padraig Dempsey commands things in the ‘6’ role and has two very capable ‘wing men’ in Ian Duggan and George O’Connor, but its ahead of them that the ‘Vat’s real strength lies.
Adam Mansfield is a powerful exciting midfielder, who looks to trouble the scoreboard, as does his partner in crime, Joe Gahan while the usual inside forward line of Oisin Knox, Ger Malone and Brian Phelan possess a real scoring threat.
Despite lifting the Shield, most people will fancy Thomastown to make this year’s senior final, but write off Mullinavat at your peril.
