The Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday has been named and coach Declan Kidney has opted for an unchanged lineup.

Declan Kidney had a full strength squad to choose from having put his big match preparations against the French on ice following the late postponement of the Stade de France encounter.

]]> 1.3549653 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:02:21 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/kilkenny_walkers_club_1_3544888

ON Sunday members of Kilkenny Walkers Club will be heading for an outing in the Galtees.

The group will meet at Castle Park (9.30pm) or at Cahir Castle (10.45am).

On St Patrick’s weekend there will be a trip to Scotland and then to Kerry for Easter. All details from 056-7765835.

KILKENNY will swing into the new Allianz National Hurling League with a fluid squad; the make-up of the League is not for discussion now and there will be no Henry Shefflin until the summer.

Oh, and the Cats will be chasing everything again.

That was the news round up from Kilkenny manager, Brian Cody, when he spoke with the ’People on the eve of the new National League and what promises to be a cracking opening game against Tipperary in Nowlan Park on Sunday.

“The League is a huge part of our year,” insisted Mr Cody when we talked at the press conference to announce Glanbia’s continued sponsorship of Kilkenny teams. “We will be going out to do as well as we can, and that includes trying to win it. There is no point in playing if you are not interested in winning.”

Last season the Noresiders won the All-Ireland final, beating Tipperary, after losing the McCarthy Cup decider against the same opposition the previous season. The Cats also contested the League final, losing to Dublin.

Laid down marker

Now the current super powers and greatest rivals in the game will kick start the new campaign, just like they did 12 months ago when Kilkenny won in Thurles.

Looking back on that match and how the season ran subsequently, many observers suggested the Cats laid down an important marker that evening in Semple Stadium.

With both counties reportedly training harder at the moment than they might want to suggest, would there be an element of ‘message sending’ in Sunday’s clash?

“We are training for the year ahead, not specifically for the Tipp match or any other match,” was the way Mr Cody put it. “We are training to build a base of fitness over the year ahead and there is a process you go through for that.

“The level you would want to be at come championship time is different to the level anyone could be at during the League. We will take on the League, and plan beyond that for what we want to do.”

Yes, but did last year’s League opener have a bit more meaning to it, bearing in mind the All-Ireland clash the previous September? Was it a statement making day?

“It is easy to say that,” said the man who is now entering his 14th season in charge. “I don’t know if you do or don’t lay down a marker. For me it is straight forward. You go out to play, and whatever match you are involved in you want to be competitive.

“We will be competitive against Tipperary. So will Tipperary! Because of the quality in both squads the game should be good.”

Kilkenny won’t be holding back in anything this season, we suggested.

]]> 1.3549239 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:00:25 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/drennan_ready_to_tackle_turkey_1_3544531

KILKENNY’S Mikey Drennan is all set to tackle Turkey.

The Aston Villa striker has been called into the Republic of Ireland’s under-19 squad for the first time, with manager Paul Doolin naming Drennan in his 20-man squad for next week’s double-header friendly in Istanbul.

Ireland will play the first of two friendlies against Turkey at the Maltepe Stadium in Istanbul, next Tuesday. They will play the second match against the hosts two days later at the Pendik Stadium in Istanbul. Both games kick off at 1.30pm local time.

The games will be used as preparation for the UEFA under-19 elite stage qualifiers. Ireland will play mini-group hosts Portugal along with Ukraine and Israel over six days in May, with the group winner qualifying for the Estonia-hosted finals in July.

“We’ve brought in a few players to have a look at over the two games,” said Doolin. “Last season, some lads took their chance in friendly matches and ended up staying in the squad for the qualifiers. It’s important that we have options available for the squad, as we may need to call upon them if someone was to get injured or wasn’t unavailable for the qualifiers.”

Republic of Ireland: Sean McDermott (Arsenal), Alan Smith (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Barker (Bohemians), Sean Kavanagh (Fulham), Neil Byrne (Rochdale), Bradley Garmston (West Brom), Thomas Hoban (Watford), Neil Yadolahi (Burnley), Colm Horgan (Salthill Devon), Kealan Dillon (Hull City), Graham Burke (Aston Villa), Mikey Drennan (Aston Villa), Anthony Forde (Wolves), George Smith (Southend United), Paul George (Celtic), John O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall), Connor Smith (Watford), Frankie Sutherland (QPR), Danny Morrissey (Cork City).

THE success of last year’s Gaelic for Girls programme in Graignamanagh and the primary schools league has borne fruit with a new girls’ Gaelic football club in South Kilkenny.

The club will encompass the areas of Graignamanagh, The Rower, Inistioge, Gowran, Goresbridge and Skeough. The girls will play under the title Barrow Gaels.

Following an information and registration night a number of girls, aged 10 to 14 years, have signed up to the new club. A note sent through the schools yielded a great response, with several more players expected to register in the coming weeks.

Such was the enthusiasm of parents and children alike that training will get underway in Graignamanagh GAA pitch tomorrow (Thursday) at 5pm. All girls in the area are welcome to join.

Officers elected to the new Barrow Gaels committee are chairman Joe Fox, secretary Gerald O’Reilly, treasurer Noeleen Neville, registrar Olivia Staunton, PRO Carmel Moore, children’s officer Sheila Murphy. The Gaels hope to have panels at under-10, under-12 and under-14 levels.

Plans are also in the pipeline to set up new clubs in Castlecomer and Muckalee. Coaching courses will be available for mentors who would like to get involved in girls’ Gaelic football. A series of fun blitzes will start in April where the young girls will get a chance to put their newly-acquired skills to use.

With 28 schools taking part in last year’s Primary Schools League the talent emerging and the enthusiasm throughout the county has been infectious. Any parish or amalgamation of parishes who wish to learn more about starting a club in their area can contact Caitriona Corr, Ladies Football Development Officer, tel 086-1724044.

Coaching

A ladies football coaching course will be held at Castlecomer Community School on Saturday for mentors to learn the skills required for coaching girls’ Gaelic football. The course will run from 10am to 4pm, with lunch provided.

The first in a series of courses for mentors and coaches, it will be run by qualified tutors from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association at Croke Park. The course is an introduction to good coaching practices where mentors gain an insight into the theory of successful coaching and have the opportunity on the day to do some practical coaching. The course is ideal for mentors already involved with or hoping to be involved with juvenile or adult teams as well as school teams and is open to anyone over 16 years of age.

Bookings to Caitriona at Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, tel 056-7720870 or e-mail caitriona@krsp.ie

Leinster 3-14

Munster 1-16

KILKENNY provided a strong presence as Leinster held off a Munster revival to reach the inter-provincial hurling final.

Eleven members of the team who won last year’s All-Ireland lined out for the province in Sunday’s semi-final at Nowlan Park, including all six of the starting defence.

Also there was Michael Fennelly. He reprised his role as a goal-scorer from September’s final, cutting through the Munster back-line to drill a low shot past Donal Og Cusack with little over a minute on the clock.

All three of Leinster goals had some Kilkenny involvement. Richie Hogan set up the second, grabbing a quick puck-out before teeing up Joe Bergin to provide the finish midway through the half while Richie Power helped himself to the third, converting a 30th minute penalty after Dublin’s Ryan O’Dwyer was fouled in the square.

By half-time Joe Dooley’s side looked to be in a good position, as they led Liam Sheedy’s men by nine points (3-8 to 0-8).

Munster were sharper after the restart, getting a great start when John Conlon netted a fine strike on 39 minutes. The points began to flow for Sheedy’s side, with John Gardiner and Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh getting in on the act as they narrowed the gap to just two with five minutes to go (3-11 to 1-15).

Munster had a great chance to take the lead when Pauric Mahony was fouled in the square, but Patrick Horgan’s penalty was saved. Leinster worked the sliotar clear, getting possession downfield for Richie Power to point before Colin Fennelly added a long-range insurance score to seal Leinster’s place in the final. They will play Connacht in the decider in a fortnight’s time.

SCORERS: Leinster - Richie Power (1-5, 1-0 pen, 0-3 frees); Shane Dooley (0-5, 0-1 free); Joe Bergin (1-1); Michael Fennelly (1-0); Brian Hogan, Eoin Larkin, Colin Fennelly (0-1 each). Munster - John Conlon (1-3); Patrick Horgan (0-3); John Gardiner (0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 65); Pauric Mahony (0-2 frees); Eoin Kelly (0-1, free); Pa Cronin, Shane McGrath, Patrick Donnellan, Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh (0-1 each).

Leinster (Kilkenny, unless stated) - G. Maguire (Dublin), P. Murphy, N. Hickey, J. Tyrrell, T. Walsh, B. Hogan, J.J. Delaney, M. Fennelly, M. Rice, R. O’Dwyer (Dublin), R. Power, E. Larkin, S, Dooley (Offaly), J, Bergin (Offaly), R, Hogan. Subs: W. Hyland (Laois) for R. Hogan, 36 mins; D. Stamp (Wexford) for B. Hogan, 36 mins; C. Fennelly for O’Dwyer, 55 mins; R. Hanniffy (Offaly) for Bergin, 61 mins; R. Jacob (Wexford) for Rice, 70 mins.

Munster - D. Og Cusack (Cork), M. Cahill (Tipperary), P. Curran (Tipperary), T. Condon (Limerick), J. Gardiner (Cork), P. Maher (Tipperary), P. Donnellan (Clare), S. O’Sullivan (Waterford), S. McGrath (Tipperary), P. Cronin (Cork), M. Walsh (Waterford), B. Maher (Tipperary), J. Conlon (Clare), E. Kelly (Tipperary), P. Horgan (Cork). Subs: D. O’Grady (Limerick) for McGrath, 39 mins; S. Molumphy (Waterford) for Cronin, 46 mins; G. Ryan (Tipperary) for Kelly, 55 mins; P. Mahony (Waterford) for Gardiner, 58 mins; K. Moran (Waterford) for Donnellan, 67 mins.

Referee - A. Kelly (Galway).

THE high achievers in sport in Kilkenny during 2011 were honoured through the Hotel Kilkenny and Kilkenny People sports star scheme at a glittering annual gala dinner in Hotel Kilkenny on Friday night.

The stars honoured during the various months were feted for their achievements, and the two top gongs, the Supreme and Endeavour Awards were also presented.

The Supreme Award, which is generally recognised as the top accolate in sport in the county, went to star jockey, Joseph O’Brien, from Piltown, who was unable to attend because he was racing in Dundalk.

The top apprentice and star of the Breeders Cup was ably represented by his parents, Aidan and Ann Marie O’Brien, who collected his monthly and Supreme Awards on his behalf.

Special award

A special Supreme Award was commissioned to mark the 25th anniversary of the scheme. It was crafted by KDW based gold and silversmith, Des Byrne, whose lengthy array of exquisite pieces includes the new Sam Maguire Cup, the trophy for the winners of the All-Ireland senior football championship.

To mark an unbroken spell of 25 years on the Awards Selection Committee, Noel Skehan, the former Kilkenny goalkeeping great, was given the honour of presenting the Supreme Award to Aidan O’Brien on behalf of his son.

The second big prize, the Endeavour Award, went to the Kilkenny and District youths team that won the FAI Umbro inter-league cup final for the first time in 27 years. The award was accepted on behalf of the team by captain, Declan McQuillan.

Griffin Hotel group managing-director, Liam Griffin, presented the Endeavour Award and congratulated all the winners, which he described as a stunning list of high achievers.

The season of highs enjoyed by Supreme winner, Joseph O’Brien, were read to the captains of industry and sport and invited guests by MC Ger Cody.

The citation read:

“My oh my, where to begin is the question because there is so much to relate in terms of achievement from the 2011 season that was like no other.

There were personal wins at home and abroad; wins on different continents; wins involving the family and history making in all part as well.

Storm of victories

At the centre of the storm of victories and high achievements is a youngster who once wrote that the best piece of advice he ever received was simply to “always do your best”.

Well, he most certainly did that.....in spades...........

Joseph O’Brien, son of Piltown, County Kilkenny, who is attached to the Ballydoyle stable run by his famous dad, Aidan O’Brien, rewrote the records in horse racing on a number of fronts.

His victory aboard St Nicholas Abbey in the Breeders Cup in Churchill Downs, Kentucky, in November was probably the highlight in a string of highlights.

At 18 years and 5 months, Joseph O’Brien was the the youngest ever winner of a Breeders Cup race.

For the record, he took the record from Ferrando Jara, who was 18 years and 10 months when he won a Breeders Cup race in 2006.

There was an historic dimension for the family in Kentucky as well. Aidan O’Brien was the only overseas trainer to produce a winner at the 2011 meeting.

Actually, he did it at the double, having saddled Wrote to win the Juvenile Turf event prior to the big race.

St Nicholas Abbey is trained by Aidan O’Brien, so Joseph and Aidan went into the history books as the first father and son/trainer and jockey combination to win the event.

According to one learned commentator, Joseph’s performance was that of a seasoned, top flight jockey rather than one who rode his first winner in May 2009.

He was poised and patient during the opening 10 furlong, stalking English raider Sea Moon into the straight. He allowed Sea Moon to run down the leader, Brilliant Speed, before sweeping past them both to take the race and winners pot of $3-million.”

Dream come true

“I got the gaps when I needed them, and he picked up really well,”Joseph was reported as saying afterwards.”Its a dream come true.”

“Joseph wasn’t only the youngest winner of the ’Cup. Standing at 5’ 11” he was possibly the tallest too.

Another highlight from the season was the Irish 2000 Guineas win on Roderic O’Connor just two days before his 18th birthday in May.

There was more. Joseph O’Brien was also the champion apprentice jockey. Almost inevitably, there was a record involved.

He ran up a phenomenal 57 wins during the season, which for a man who struggles to make the 9 stone weight was some going. That 57 mark was a record too, out-stripping the previous best of 54 recorded by the great Paul Cerberry.

Another major milestone during the season was the winning of the Racing Post Trophy on Camelot, which was his first Group I winner in England.”

So who is this Joseph O’Brien, jockey extraordinary? During our trawl through the records we unearthed an interesting questions and answers piece with Joseph on the goracing.ie website.

Here goes, from the man himself:

Best moment outside of racing: Winning a bronze medal at the European Pony Championships in 2009.

Favourite restaurant: The Cashel Palace hotel.

Favourite food: Chicken.

Person you most admire: All the top jockeys are an inspiration to me.

Favourite book: Any of the racing autobiographies like Ruby, AP and Mick Kinane.

Favourite film: Man About Dog.

Favourite football team: Man United.

Excited by: Riding winners.

Well, by his own admission so Joseph O’Brien must have enjoyed a very, very, very exciting year during 2011.

The Hotel Kilkenny and Kilkenny People sports star committee saluted Joseph O’Brien - extraordinary talent, extraordinary jockey as the Supreme Award winner of 2011.

Kilkenny GAA Fixtures

Wednesday

Duggan Steel Under-14 Football League

Bennettsbridge: O’Loughlin Gaels v Thomastown (7.30pm)

Ref: Paschal Connolly

Minor Football Challenge

Muckalee: Kilkenny v Carlow (7.30pm)

Kilkenny Education Centre

There will be a training night held at 7.45pm in the Kilkenny Education Centre, Callan Road. The training will help all Bord na nÓg secretaries learn how to use their newly updated email systems. All clubs are asked to attend.

Saturday

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons SF League

Moneenroe: Railyard v Dicksboro (3pm)

Ref: John Guinan

Thomastown: Thomastown v Mullinavat (3pm)

Ref: John Walsh

Canon Kearn’s Park: Erin’s Own v Mooncoin (3pm)

Ref: Sean Cleere

Jenkinstown: Conahy Shamrocks v Kilmoganny (3pm)

Ref: Denis O’Sullivan

St. John’s Park: O’Loughlin Gaels v Glenmore (3pm)

Ref: Thomas Duggan

Larchfield: James Stephens v Muckalee (3pm)

Ref: Eamon Mansfield

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons IF League

Inistioge: Rower-Inistioge v St Patrick’s (3pm)

Ref: John Bennett

Piltown: Piltown v Danesfort (3pm)

Ref: Dominic Connolly

Tom Walsh Park: Blacks and Whites v Clara (3pm)

Ref: Paschal Connolly

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons JF League

Ballyhale: Ballyhale Shamrocks v Tullogher-Rosbercon (3pm)

Ref: Julian O’Dwyer

Windgap: Windgap v Graigue-Ballycallan (3pm)

Ref: Willie Kearney

Duggan Steel Under-14 Football League

Ballyhale: Ballyhale Shamrocks v Graigue-Ballycallan (11.30am)

Ref: Raymond Byrne

Danesfort: Danesfort v Ballyhale Shamrocks (11.30am)

Ref: Paul Whelan

Jenkinstown: Conahy Shamrocks v O’Loughlin Gaels (11.30am)

Ref: John Mc Cormack

Páirc na Ratha: Glenmore v Erin’s Own (11.30am)

Ref: Martin Quilty

Lisdowney: Lisdowney v Kilmacow (11.30am)

Ref: Podge Butler

Piltown: Piltown v Barrow Rangers (11.30am)

Ref: Gavin Quilty

Callan CBS: John Lockes v Slieverue (11.30am)

Ref: Paul Hunston

Urlingford: Emeralds v St Martin’s (11.30am)

Ref: Eugene Ryan

Tom Walsh Park: St Fiacre’s v Mooncoin (11.30am)

Ref: John Minogue

Gowran: Young Irelands v Dicksboro (11.30am)

Ref: James Barry

Dunnamaggin: Kilmoganny v O’Loughlin Gaels (1pm)

Ref: John Kennedy

Duggan Steel Under-14 Roinn D 13 a-side

Freshford: St Lachtain’s v Carrickshock (11.30am)

Ref: Colin Breheny

Development Squad Training

St James’s Park: Under 14/16/15 Football (4pm)

Sunday

Allianz Hurling League

Nowlan Park: Kilkenny v Tipperary (2.30pm)

Ref: Michael Wadding

Match Information: Patrons are advised to come early as a large crowd is expected Admission is E13 to all sections of the ground. Students/Senior Citizens: E5/Under-16s: Free

Season Ticket Stiles: Hebron Road (New Stand Side) Stiles 15, 16, 17 & 18 O’Loughlin Road (Old Stand side) Stiles 36 & 37. Group Passes admission is through Stile 23 Ardán Ó Cearbhaill (New Stand behind country end goal)

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons J.F. League

Moneenroe: Railyard v Fenians (11.30am)

Ref: Ger O’Grady

Gowran: Young Irelands v Muckalee (11.30am)

Ref: Ollie O’Neill

Wednesday, February 29

Cadbury’s Leinster Under-21 FC

Ballyragget: Kilkenny v Louth (7.30pm)

Ref: John Hickey

Kilkenny GAA Results

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Senior FL

Mooncoin 4-4, Mullinavat 2-5

Railyard 2-8, Erin’s Own 1-4

Muckalee 1-11, Glenmore 0-1

Conahy Shamrocks 1-6, James Stephens 1-5

O’Loughlin Gaels 1-16, Kilmoganny 0-4

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Intermediate FL

Clara 1-6, Danesfort 0-7

St Patrick’s w/o, Piltown scr

Blacks & Whites 3-4, Rower-Inistioge 1-6

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Junior FL

Tullogher-Rosbercon 1-6, Windgap 0-7

Ballyhale Shamrocks 2-9, Graigue-Ballycallan 0-7

Railyard 3-9, Muckalee 0-10

Kilkenny Citroën Centre Minor FL

Erin’s Own 0-13, Dicksboro 1-7

Mooncoin 3-6, Cloneen/Railyard 2-8

Tullogher-Rosbercon 3-9, Conahy Shamrocks 2-6

Lisdowney w/o, John Lockes scr

St Martin’s 4-6, Clara 1-7

Emeralds 3-9, Fenians 2-0

Tullaroan 2-6, Kilmoganny 0-8

Carrickshock 5-5, Kilmacow 3-5

James Stephens 4-2, Rower-Inistioge 1-7

Duggan Steel Under-14 FL

Piltown 6-9, Rower-Inistioge 1-0

St Martin’s 2-5, St Fiacre’s 2-5

Lisdowney 2-6, Barrow Rangers 3-2

Emeralds w/o, Slieverue scr

Tullogher-Rosbercon 7-8, John Lockes 1-0

James Stephens 2-3, Bennettsbridge 2-2

Tullaroan 6-8, Dicksboro B 4-3

O’Loughlin Gaels 5-12, Young Irelands 4-3

Duggan Steel Under-14 ‘D’ FL 13 a-side

Carrickshock w/o, Mullinavat scr

Cloneen/Railyard 4-4, St Lachtain’s 1-4

Umbro Kilkenny & District League

Saturday

Rafter Dempsey’s Youths’ League (2.30pm)

Lions v Clover United.

Evergreen A v Freebooters.

Newpark/Ormonde Villa v Thomastown United.

Under-9 Barnaville Print League South (2pm)

Stoneyford United v Evergreen City.

Highview Athletic v Thomastown United.

Under-9 Barnaville Print League North (11am)

Fort Rangers v East End United.

Lions v Freebooters.

Under-11 SFAI Menton Seery Cup (Last 16)

Edenderry Town v Freebooters, 12.30pm.

Beechwood (Dublin) v Thomastown United A, 12.30pm TBC.

Under-11 Nolan Jewellers League Division Two

Deen Celtic v Freshford Town, 11am.

Freebooters B v Evergreen United, 1.30pm.

Under-11 Nolan Jewellers League Division Three

Highview Athletic v Paulstown 06, 11am.

Freebooters C v Stoneyford United, 3pm.

Under-13 Kilkenny People League Division One (3pm)

Thomastown United v Deen Celtic.

Bridge United v Freshford Town.

Under-13 Kilkenny People League Division Two

Stoneyford United v Callan United, 11am.

Southend United v Paulstown 06, 1.15pm.

Under-15 SFAI Evans Cup (Last 16)

Evergreen v Malahide United (Dublin), 2pm.

Under-15 St Canice’s CU League Division One (11am)

Ormonde Villa v Bridge United.

Thomastown United v Freebooters B.

Under-15 St Canice’s CU League Division Two (11am)

Southend United v Evergreen B.

Freshford Town v Deen Celtic.

Under-17 TC Tyres League (11am)

Deen Celtic v Freshford Town.

East End United v Fort Rangers.

Sunday

St Canice’s Credit Union Premier Division

Fort Rangers v Evergreen A, 11am.

Evergreen B v Freebooters A, 11am.

Deen Celtic A v Bridge United A, 2.30pm.

Division One

Freshford Town v Thomastown United A, 11am.

Newpark United A v Clover United A, 11am.

Stoneyford United v Callan United, 2.30pm.

Eamonn Maher Coach Hire Division Two

Highview Athletic A v Gowran, 11am.

Lions B v East End United B, 2.30pm.

Duiske Glass Division Three

Bridge United B v Deen Celtic B, 11am.

AC Kilkenny B v Clover United B, 2.30pm.

St John’s v Orchard Rovers, 2.30pm.

Rico’s of Gowran Women’s Division One (11am)

Thomastown United v Bridge United.

East End United v Tullaroan.

Jimmy Cuddihy Women’s Division Two

St Joseph’s v Deen Celtic, 11am.

Clover United v Orchard Rovers, 2.30pm.

Under-14 SFAI Goodson Cup (Last 16)

Corduff (Dublin) v Freebooters, 2pm.

RESULTS

Leinster Junior Cup

Evergreen 2, Ballymun United 3.

St Canice’s Credit Union Premier Division

Bridge United A 2, Lions A 1.

East End United A 0, Freebooters A 5.

Division One

Spa United 3, AC Kilkenny A 3.

Clover United A 2, Callan United 3.

Freshford Town 1, Newpark United A 1.

Eamonn Maher Coach Hire Division Two

East End United B 1, Thomastown United B 2.

River Rangers 0, Brookville 1.

Lions B 2, Gowran 1.

Duiske Glass Division Three

AC Kilkenny B 3, Bridge United B 1.

Newpark United B 2, Orchard Rovers 1.

St Anne’s 3, Deen Celtic B 3.

Rico’s of Gowran Women’s Division One

Tullaroan 1, Bridge United 0.

Thomastown United 2, East End United 0.

Jimmy Cuddihy Women’s Division Two

Deen Celtic 1, Clover United 0.

Evergreen 3, St Joseph’s 0.

Rafter Dempsey’s Youths’ League

Evergreen City 2, River Rangers 2.

Clover United 1, Freebooters 4.

Under-16 TC Tyres League

Evergreen C 0, Evergreen A 8.

Highview Athletic 1, Bridge United 9.

Ormonde Villa 3, Freebooters 1.

Under-16 K&DL Girls’ League

St Joseph’s 3, Thomastown United 2.

Freshford Town 6, East End United 0.

Under-15 St Canice’s Credit Union League Division One

Freebooters B 0, Freebooters A 6.

Under-14 Bennettsbridge Parts League Division One

Thomastown United A 1, Evergreen A 4.

Under-14 Bennettsbridge Parts League Division Two

Thomastown United B 0, Urlingford 5.

Paulstown 06 1, Freshford Town 2.

Evergreen B 2, Freebooters B 2.

Under-13 Leinster Inter-League

Carlow League 1, Kilkenny & DL 1.

Kilkenny & DL 2, Midlands League 1.

Kilkenny & DL 3, South Dublin FL 1.

Under-12 Glanbia League Division One

Freebooters A 2, Evergreen A 1.

Southend United 6, Bridge United 2.

Under-12 Glanbia League Division Two

Highview Athletic 1, Evergreen B 0.

Lions 8, Freebooters B 0.

Callan United 10, Ormonde Villa 1.

HE MAY have 11 tough, demanding, high pressure and successful inter-county seasons behind him already, but Jackie Tyrrell can’t wait for the 2012 campaign to begin, writes John Knox.

Already six All-Ireland and three National League titles richer, the James Stephens man’s appetite for the game is far from satisfied and he readily admitted he missed the game during the winter breaker.

“Yea,” he admitted when it was suggested that he looked like a guy who was rarin’ to go again when we spoke at the Glanbia press conference to announce their continued sponsorship of Kilkenny teams.

“To be honest I missed it, the players, the craic, the training during the break. You live in each others pocket for so long you are family.

“Last year we were going together for nearly nine months. To go from that intense environment, finishing in an All-Ireland final, to absolutely nothing is a real change.

Mad to get back

“While you are delighted for the break and so on, from about November on I was mad to get back into it. I am delighted January is gone and we are coming into the League. I am looking forward it.”

The GAA have planned a glamorous opening to the Allianz League, with an All-Ireland final repeat between champions, Kilkenny and Tipperary on the bill for Nowlan Park on Sunday.

In the All-Ireland final in September, Tyrrell turned in the proverbial blinder as the Cats took back McCarthy from Tipp, but that, he was quick to point out, was history now.

“That was a good day for Kilkenny,” smiled the Glanbia sales representative. “It took a real team effort to win.

“Still, it is great to start the League with an All-Ireland final repeat. It is a wonderful advertisement for the game of hurling. It doesn’t get much better in terms of an attraction.

“Last year it was the same. Tipp were the All-Ireland champions when we met them at the start of the League. We were mad to get at them. I am sure they will be mad to get at us this time.

“It all adds up to something really exciting. The rivalry appears to be getting bigger and better. The last few All-Irelands have been great, for the promotion of the game, the fans and the players too. I am sure this League game will be the same.”

The 6’ 2” giant defender loves the involvement and preparations, and he said he immersed himself so much in the game that he never felt pressure. He just didn’t have time to think about it.

He loves it all

“It is great to be involved, and if the mental preparation and focus is right, you are cool because you are totally clued in to one thing….the game,” was the way he explained it. “You don’t see anything, think about anything else. When the game comes you don’t notice things going on around you. Before you know it, it is half-time, or the end of the match.

“You don’t have time to look around. The games fly. The only things you thing about are surviving and keeping an eye on you man

“I love it all. It is my life now. It almost takes you over and consumes you. It is not just training three times a week and then leave it at that. You have the rest element, the diet, the gym side of things to look after also.

“You live and breath it 24/7, constantly thinking about the next training session and how you can prepare as best as possible for it.”

Kilkenny manager, Brian Cody has drilled in into the players that they are privileged and honoured to play for the county. He gets the players to buy into that thinking. Tyrrell is a devoted follower.

“Why wouldn’t you love it,” Tyrrell shot back when one suggested his face was aglow with excitement merely talking about the upcoming season.

Fans here don’t talk about winning Leinster crowns or things like that; they want national titles, one suggested to him. Does that place an added burden on the players?

“That is the way Kilkenny people are,” he smiled. “That comes from our tradition. That can be a good thing. It helps keep us on our toes. They let us know the standards they expect. As far as I am concerned it is great.”

The Cats opened the season by winning the Walsh Cup, led by new captain and Tyrrell’s club colleague, Eoin Larkin.

Larkin a great captain

“Eoin can be a great captain,” Tyrrell insisted. “It is a great honour for the person, the club, your family to be a county captain. Eoin is very aware of that. We have picked up the Walsh Cup already. Hopefully we can add to that during the year.”

The new season brought a whole new challenge for everyone involved in the Kilkenny squad.

“We start the season with a clean sheet of paper,” was the way Tyrrell put it. “All the places on the team are up for grabs. It doesn’t matter how many All-Irelands you have or haven’t.

“Whoever trains and plays the best will make the team. That is the way Brian (Cody) has set up things. We all know where we stand and the situation we are in. It is all about working to get your name on that team sheet every day.”

St Kieran’s College0-15

Colaiste Eoin1-8 (11 pts)

This was what you would class a ‘move on performance’ from stuttering defending Leinster and All-Ireland champions, St Kieran’s College, writes John Knox.

The Kilkenny school booked a place in the provincial final against city rivals, Kilkenny CBS in two weeks time, but the prize gained more than the performance put in against physically strong and determined Colaiste Eoin (Dublin) was the thing that will occupy the minds of the victors more than anything else.

To be honest, St Kieran’s will have to improve on this showing in Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, on Sunday.

“We have played better,” admitted St Kieran’s official, David McCormack, who will now see his charges face his alma mater. “We always knew Colaiste Eoin would be difficult, and it will be the same against the CBS. There is never much between us, and it will be the same in the final.”

Colaiste Eoin, who employed a seventh defender during most of the match, worked their socks off and they didn’t allow the champions build up any sort of momentum. Kieran’s best period was during the closing six minutes when lovely striker, Thomas O’Hanrahan, sub Jamie Maher, after combining with fellow sub David Burke, and deadly free taker Michael Donnelly at the double produced the points which divided the teams at the finish.

Showed character

“We showed real character during the closing 10 minutes or so to win,” was the summary of Mr McCormack.

It was the Dubliners, who were facing the fresh breeze blowing from the town end, who took hold of the game early on. They opened with a quick point from Jack Phelan. That was followed by a fifth minute goal from Colm Cronin, whose shot from eight metres on the right somehow found a hole in the far side of the net through which the ball sneaked out, forcing a quick repair job by local officials.

The losers were held to a pair of points from frees by Michael Donnelly during the opening 20 minutes, when the Dubs packed defence unsettled them. Indeed, were it not for some excellent play by the full-back trio of Robert O’Hanrahan, Robert Lennon and William Allen, plus the drive of Peter Kenneally in midfield and Donnelly further up, St Kieran’s could have slipped further back.

As it was they faced into the closing 10 minutes of the half facing a slight deficit (1-2 to 0-2). The Kilkenny lads eventually came to grips with the game plan of the opposition, and with free man on the half-back line, Aidan Cleere, hitting a lot of ball, the scores began to flow.

Donnelly and Chris Bolger nicked minors before a long free from Cleere was batted out by a defender to the waiting Thomas O’Hanrahan, who clipped over the equaliser (1-2 to 0-5).

The hat-trick of points from Kieran’s inside line was completed when Jack McGrath and Ciaran Prendergast hit the target to take them, somewhat against the run of play, into an interval lead of 0-7 to 1-2.

Dubs on top

Kieran’s lost centre-back, Emmet Byrne, through injury late in that half but after their big finish the expectation was that they would drive on.

The opposite happened. Colaiste Eoin took hold of the game from the restart. Within 90 seconds Oisin O’Rourke (free) and Kevin O’Doherty, a really good score, posted points to level again (0-7 to 1-4).

During the 20-odd minutes that followed the scores were level four times, the last being in the 53rd minute when Jack Phelan did very well to haul the losers back to terms (0-11 to 1-8).

When their backs were to the wall, St Kieran’s finally lifted their game. With subs Burke and Maher adding a bit of an edge to the attack that was largely carried by Donnelly and O’Hanrahan, and Diarmuid Cody a strong presence in defence after being moved there from the attack, they cobbled together a strong effort that got them through.

Scorers: St Kieran’s College – Michael Donnelly (0-8, six frees); Thomas O’Hanrahan (0-3); Chris Bolger, Jack McGrath, Ciaran Prendergast, Jamie Maher (0-1 each). Colaiste Eoin – Kevin Doherty (0-3); Colm Cronin (1-0); Oisin O’Rourke (0-2, frees); Jack Phelan (0-2); Ciaran Callaghan (0-1).

St Kieran’s College – Noel Kehoe (Clara); Robert O’Hanrahan (Thomastown), Robert Lennon (Bennettsbridge), William Allen (Rower-Inistioge); Eoin Gough (Dicksboro), Emmett Byrne (Young Irelands), Aidan Cleere (Bennettsbridge); Peter Kenneally (Dunnamaggin), Cormac Wafer (Bennettsbridge); Chris Bolger, Michael Donnelly (Thomastown), Diarmuid Cody (James Stephens); Jack McGrath (James Stephens), Thomas O’Hanrahan (Thomastown), Ciaran Prendergast (Clara). Subs – Enda Morrissey (Bennettsbridge) for Byrne (inj) 25th min; David Burke (O’Loughlin Gaels) for McGrath 48th min; Jamie Maher (St Lachtain’s) for Kenneally 56th minute.

Colaiste Eoin – K. Smith; C. O Siochain, R. Murphy, C. Farrell; J. Clinton, E. Doherty, F. Ryan Byrne; C. Callaghan, J. Phelan; C. Cronin, K. O’Doherty, C. O’Neill; O. O’Rourke, D. Keane, F. Motherway. Sub – M. MacDonnacha.

Referee – P. O’Dwyer (Carlow).

Ireland’s rugby squad finally get the opportunity to bounce back from the opening Six Nations defeat to Wales this week.

Declan Kidney has a full strength squad to choose from having put his big match preparations against the French on ice following the late postponement of the Stade de France encounter.

No major changes are expected this weekend for the visit of the Italy.