History-makers set for their first league test in Ruislip

THE Kerry senior hurlers created the shock of the day last Sunday with a well-deserved 10 point win over Cork, 1-23 to 1-13 in round 3 of the Co-Op Superstores Munster senior hurling league at Austin Stack Park.

It may have been a rather understrength Cork side, but they were all players who were fighting for places on the Leeside league and championship squad. Yet, one cannot but admire the tenacity and confidence that the Kerry players had on the day and they grew in confidence as the game went on. Well done to all involved and it gives the team a real boost for their upcoming Allianz League campaign.

Kerry next game is away to London in Division 2A on Sunday, January 28 at Ruislip (1pm) in Round 1.

The remaining rounds will be against Carlow (home) on Sunday, February 4; away to Kildare at Newbridge on Sunday, February 18; at home to Meath (12.30pm) on Sunday, February 25 – as part of a double bill with the senior footballers who play Galway and the final round against Westmeath (away) on Sunday, March 4.

Clubs

THE St Brendans Hurling Club Annual Convention will take place on Friday week, January 26 at 8pm at Ardfert NS.

Crotta O’Neills Hurling Club will hold a victory social on Friday, February 2 at Ballyroe Heights Hotel to mark their 2017 County Minor Hurling Championship win. Tickets available at local outlets. 2018 also marks the 50th anniversary of the last time Crotta won the county senior hurling championship. They defeated Austin Stacks in that 1968 final by 1-6 to 1-5.

The Annual Convention of the North Kerry Hurling Board will take place at Lixnaw GAA Clubrooms on this Thursday, January18 8pm.

The Board has fixed the following dates for their 2018 championships: Senior – Round 1 on Friday, 30 Aug., semi-finals on Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 9 with the final on Saturday, August 22.

The intermediate championship will commence on Friday, May 4, semi-finals on Friday, May 11 and the final is scheduled for Saturday, May 19.

Bryan Murphy, Kerry and Ian Cahill, Cork in action during their Munster Senior Hurling League Round 3 clash in Austin Stack Park on Sunday afternoon Photo by Domnick Walsh / Eye Focus