YOU CAN’T FAULT the commitment of five of Kilkenny’s U21 hurlers to their county cause.
Kilkenny saw off Dublin in a thrilling Leinster quarter-final clash in Parnell Park last night.
After the game the Kilkenny squad boarded the team bus to head home and five of their players won’t have had much time for celebrations as they begin their Leaving Cert exams this morning.
Corner-backs Conor Delaney and Evan Cody, wing-back Jason Cleere and wing-forward Liam Blanchfield all started the game while Luke Scanlon came on as a substitute.
Kilkenny boss Brian Ryan hailed the players commitment after the match.
“It was a massive consideration when we began at the start of the season when we spoke to their families and spoke to the young lads themselves a long time ago to see how they were going to be fixed.
“In fairness to Dublin, the game was fixed for last Wednesday. Dublin had the senior championship so we agreed to change. If we had to play tonight, the chances are some of those lads wouldn’t be up because they’re doing the Leaving Cert.”
And the quintet got their reward with Kilkenny’s dramatic win setting up a Leinster semi-final against Carlow.
“Unbelievable (finish),” admitted Ryan.
“In fairness to our players, the whole 33 that we have working with us at the minute, just work and work and work. That paid off at the end with obviously a large chunk of luck.
“”It’s very hard on Dublin to be fair, nobody likes to lose a game like that. We’re just thrilled. Last year we didn’t get any luck, this year we’re getting a bit at the minute.
“That’s the beauty of knockout and U21 is very important to the development of players. Three weeks time to Carlow and that’s going to be a massive test.”
