WEXFORD ATTEMPT TO end the Banner’s three in-a-row dream this weekend in the U21 All-Ireland hurling final in Semple Stadium.
Lets be honest, the likes of Tony Kelly, Shane O’Donnell, Jack Guiney and Conor McDonald need no introduction. We’ve picked out the rest of the players you should keep an eye out for on Saturday night.
1. Aaron Cunningham, full-forward (Clare)
Cunningham spearheaded the 27-point demolition of Antrim in the All-Ireland semi-final, contributing 3-3 from play in a devastating display. The Wolf Tones starlet has been knocking around the Clare senior panel for a couple of years now but has been unfortunate with injury.
He struggled with a hamstring complaint ahead of last year’s senior and U21 All-Ireland finals and came on as a 49th minute sub in the latter game. This time out he arrives in electric form and along with Shane O’Donnell and Tony Kelly, forms a formidable looking Banner attack.
2. Kevin Foley, corner-forward (Wexford)
Just a year out of minor, Kevin Foley is one of the younger stars in this Wexford side. He started out at wing-forward in the wins over Kilkenny and Offaly before moving into the corner. Although he failed to score in the Leinster final win over Dublin, Foley contributed three points from play in the semi-final win over Antrim.
Conor McDonald understandably takes much of the focus in Wexford’s full-forward line, but Foley will be hoping to help ease the scoring burden this weekend.
3. Seadna Morey, wing-back (Clare)
The 2012 U21 player of the year is seeking his third All-Ireland title on the trot on Saturday. Morey has been outstanding for Clare’s U21s so far this summer. He sent over two points from play in the semi-final drubbing of Antrim and has switched between wing-back and corner back in the campaign so far.
He forced his way into Davy Fitzgerald’s starting XV for the qualifier replay against Wexford, having been introduced as a sub in the previous two senior championship games.
4. Gary Moore, centre-forward (Wexford)
Moore is probably best remembered for his stunning sideline cut against Kilkenny in last year’s Leinster final victory in O’Moore Park.
Moore was one of Wexford’s key men in their win over Galway, his three point haul proving important as the Slaneysiders booked their first final since 2001.
5. Jamie Shanahan, wing-back (Clare)
Shanahan comes off the production line of talent that is Ard Scoil Rís in Limerick city. The Sixmilebridge youngster has featured heavily in Clare’s underage sides during his earlier years and brings a great deal of versatility to the Clare set-up.
He started out as a wing-forward in the Munster semi-final win over Tipp, before switching to wing-back in the last couple of games. Shanahan hit two points on his introduction as a sub during Clare’s qualifier defeat to Wexford in July.
6. Liam Ryan, corner-back (Wexford)
Another Wexford youngster who really came of age during the senior campaign was Liam Ryan. The corner-back established himself in Liam Dunne’s starting XV and performs key duties in this U21 side.
Ryan mightn’t be as well known as Jack Guiney or McDonald, but his performance on Saturday night will have a huge bearing on the outcome of the game. Likely to pick up Shane O’Donnell, an intriguing battle that will feature two of hurling’s brightest talents.
