Ballyhale boost for Col’s Cats
Clare v Kilkenny Division 1A, Ennis 2pm
COLIN FENNELLY has tipped Ballyhale Shamrocks’ latest batch of thrilling talents to power Kilkenny back to the big time.
Fennelly himself, big brother Mick, Henry Shefflin, Joey Holden and James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick all became household names during the county’s dominant spell.
It’s four years now since they won an All-ireland but Ballyhale – preparing for next weekend’s AIB All-ireland semis – have uncovered more gems.
Ex-cats minor star Adrian Mullen, Darragh Mullen and Evan Shefflin are among seven Ballyhale players who will play for the county after the club run.
Fennelly said: “Are they ready? Definitely. I would have said two years ago they were ready but obviously they were too young.
“They have the hurling in them and I just can’t wait to see them in there and playing for Kilkenny. You have a new generation coming through. I’m so excited for Kilkenny’s future really to be honest.”
The holders travel to Ennis seeking back-to-back Division 1A wins after overcoming Cork by seven points. It was another small message to those who may have claimed Kilkenny were on the slide.
Four-time All-ireland champion Fennelly added: “Winning the League last year was actually a huge boost because when a team goes bad for a year or two, all you hear is, ‘They’re finished, they’re gone’. I heard it back in 2010 as well when Kilkenny lost to Tipperary. That’s just people’s opinions.”