Kent says Leinster SFC is ‘alive and kicking’

LEINSTER GAA chairperson Derek Kent has launched a vigorous defence of their flagship senior championships, even in the face of mounting evidence that Dublin footballers are still streets ahead of the eastern pack.

Kent insisted their championships are “alive and kicking” as he launched this year’s Leinster SFC and SHC at a ceremony in the National Museum of Ireland.

“No matter what is said that the provincial championship is on its last legs or it’s finished, I honestly believe there is not a person in this room – or player – who does not want to win a Leinster hurling or football medal, this year or every other year,” he said.

“The championship is there, it’s alive and kicking. It’s up to us in Leinster GAA to bring teams up to the level that’s required to go hunt and win All-Irelands.”

PRESSING PROBLEM

The more pressing problem has been bringing pretenders anywhere close to the level of Dublin. They have won a record 13 consecutive Leinster SFC finals, by an average margin of 12.6 points. That average rises to over 15 points if you factor in the last 10 finals, including last year’s 21-point landslide against Louth.

By comparison, the Leinster SHC race has been a lot more competitive, even though Kilkenny will be chasing a Leinster SHC five-in-a-row this season. Kent’s native Wexford were the last county beyond Noreside to lift the Bob O’Keeffe Cup, in 2019.