Search Results for 'James Ryall'

Kilkenny intermediates’ great victory over Dublin after extra time last Saturday afternoon means once again it's a clean sweep of provincial titles. This achievement in itself would satisfy most hurling counties, but in Kilkenny the players are only too aware that their greatness is judged on their ability to land All-Ireland titles. Pressure it may be but that's the reality you face when you pull on the famous black and amber shirt. This Sunday, both the seniors and minors head to Croker hoping they can get the job done which would give them a tilt at All-Ireland glory.

Kilkenny notched up their 14th National Hurling League title after a ding-dong battle with the old enemy Tipperary at Thurles last Sunday. I thought that hurling at intercounty level was becoming a bit boring and predictable but Sunday's epic encounter has given me great hope for the coming championship. It's great to beat Tipperary any time but to beat them in their own backyard on final day is extra special.

Kilkenny may have written themselves into the history books this year by becoming the first team to complete the clean sweep, but the men who were involved in creating history found themselves going back to grassroots last weekend as the local championships commenced. Some of the media recently complained that we didn't know how to celebrate winning and that our homecoming party was very lethargic. I'd say to hell with the begrudgers, the players know we think the world of them and also respect the fact that time moves on. The county men who soldiered so well together, also respect that while they were away on county duty, club men they grew up with have been plugging away in preparation for last weekend. There is no doubt that special bonds are formed during the intercounty season, however, once you go back and put on the club colours - friendship rightly goes out the window as teams go in search of success in their respective championships.

The hurling year might only be a couple of weeks old, but tough tasks are arriving thick and fast for Galway.

Last Sunday’s early season thriller played in front of packed crowd at Pairc Lachtain, Freshford bore similar resemblance to last August’s intermediate All-Ireland semi-final clash between the two counties.

Last Sunday’s early season thriller played in front of packed crowd at Pairc Lachtain, Freshford bore similar resemblance to last August’s intermediate All-Ireland semi-final clash between the two counties.

Kilkenny reclaimed the Walsh Cup last Sunday after edging out Galway in extra time in a thrilling encounter in Pairc Lactain, Freshford. It may have only been the first Sunday in February but if this game is anything to go by we're in for some cracking action this year. On a bitterly cold afternoon around three thousands souls braved the elements and got full value for their €10 admission fee.

Waterford 2-17

In a feast of hurling that saw National League holders Tipperary and

Kilkenny's winning margin against Wexford in the last two finals was an average of 17 points. A landslide victory I think is what you could call them. So with just two goals between the teams last Sunday it could be considered something of a close shave, but in truth despite the game effort from the Dubs the Cats were never going to lose this one.