FOR THE PAST decade, Kilkenny has been the county on which standards in our most ancient game are set. The Cats have won everything at every level of hurling, and the conveyor belt is far from drying up, if the Corn Uí Dhuill Final this Sunday in Nowlan Park is anything to go by.

The Leinster Colleges Senior Hurling A Final sees a clash of the Marble City pair St Kieran’s and Kilkenny CBS. The former were the ones being tipped from the outset to go all the way, but anybody who thought the reigning provincial champions were not going to be in the mix were way out.

Of course, the Christian Brothers School actually went one better than their rivals last year after making it to the All-Ireland Final through the back door before losing out. This time, they are keen to go straight in the semi-finals and claim the scalp of St Kieran’s. There are bragging rights at stake at times, and then there is something bigger in terms of pride and honour.

The CBS have already got their hands on some silverware after their semi-final clash with Good Counsel doubled as the League Final, which they won 1-14 to 0-9. Their highly esteemed opponents came through their last-four encounter against a determined Castlecomer CS 1-8 to 0-6, but they did not put it to bed until late on.

No matter what, it will be an interesting game according to the county’s Games Development Manager Brían Ryan. “This year, the CBS have come through very strong and they had a very good victory over Good Counsel the last day. There is a general feeling on the ground that it could be their year,” says Ryan.

“Both teams are very strong and one thing that will be very intriguing is when club mates from the likes of Dicksboro, O’Loughlin Gaels and James Stephens take to the field in opposition. I always find that very interesting in terms of the colleges games. But, the club game will be put to one side and there will be no quarter asked or given as there is so much pride to play for between the two schools,” explains the County Games Manager.

The Games Manager says the final will also showcase the work being done in and around the city by the likes of the three aforementioned clubs. For years, James Stephens set the standard, but now Dicksboro and O’Loughlin Gaels are right up there.

In terms of Sunday’s Final, the Fenian’s club man said he’d be happy for a draw and another great game of hurling, but would not himself be drawn out any further. “Both teams will simply have to take the opportunities on the day if they want to win it. When Kilkenny CBS played Colaiste Eoin, they didn’t kill the game off enough, so St Kieran’s will look to do just that. Although both teams will still be in the All-Ireland series, make no mistake, they will want to win on Sunday.”

It’s business as usual for patrons at Nowlan Park as they witness the fruition of yet more great work in the county and yet more silverware being picked up by the natives. Of those next crop, Kilkenny CBS’ Robbie Fitzpatrick, who is already impressing for Dicksboro seniors, and St Kieran’s James Maher, are just two to watch out for.

Of course, there is yet more Kilkenny interest in the Vocational Schools Senior Hurling A decider as Scoil Aireagail Ballyhale take on the current holders, St Fergal’s Rathdowney, in Dr Cullen Park, Carlow.

The Laois side had a real battle to make it into the showdown – their semi-final victory over Colaiste Mhuire Johnstown took 80 minutes to see who would march on. St Fergal’s rallied in additional time, hitting four points without reply, to eventually book their spot in Saturday’s big match.

Their opponents from Ballyhale had a great win against a hotly-tipped Borris VS in their semi. Ronan Corcoran was the star of the day, as he hit 1-9 for the winners in their 2-10 to 1-10 victory.

Naturally, the Kilkenny man Brían Ryan will be keeping a close eye on proceedings and is hoping Scoil Aireagail can keep their great year going as they have also made a Leinster D Football Final.

“They are a school that might have suffered in the past, as some of their hurlers would have gone to school in the city, but it’s clear the good work that is being put in and that is also very important for them,” he says.

Although it may be natural to be rooting for your own, it is a game that could throw up anything, as everything up to now in this year’s Vocational Schools competition points to the fact that most teams can take a scalp on the day.

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