ROLL UP...ROLL UP FOR PILKINGTON v McGRATH

THE most interesting hurling match in the coming days won’t be in Parnell Park, Walsh Park or Cusack Park. On Monday evening, Laois and Offaly contest a fascinating Leinster minor final at O’Moore Park. To get a sense of just how novel this pairing is, this will be the first time that a provincial decider at this grade won’t have at least one of Kilkenny, Dublin or Wexford. Inspired by Ben Deegan who nailed two late frees, the O’Moore youngsters shocked Kilkenny in Portlaoise last week. It was the first win for Laois over the Cats at minor level since 1974.

Offaly were even more impressive in beating Dublin. Goals from Adam Screeney and Dan Ravenhill propelled the Faithful County to the decider, where they seek a first Leinster title since 2000. There will plenty of intrigue on the sideline, too, as former Waterford boss Derek McGrath has been assisting Declan Qualter in coaching this Laois side while Faithful legend Johnny Pilkington is involved with Offaly set-up. The top table in our national game looks more impenetrable than that of international cricket. And when you drift away from it, as Offaly have done, it can be hard to find a way back. But this novel final, which will be live on TG 4, offers hope that there may be a place in hurling’s elite for these two counties in years to come.