It’s a very busy weekend for the local Inter-County Teams as the Kilkenny Senior and Intermediate Teams as well as the Carlow Junior Team are in Leinster Semi-Final action.
The Kilkenny Seniors make the short trip to play Wexford in the Senior Semi-Final in Kennedy Park, New Ross, while the Kilkenny Intermediates host Carlow in Thomastown.
Kilkenny recorded League success two weeks ago when they defeated Galway in the decider in Thurles, and Anne Downey and the management team will be anxious to continue the winning momentum ahead of the start of the championship in June.
Wexford struggled during the League, and undoubtedly they are not the force of old, but Kilkenny will need to be wary of that challenge that the Slaneysiders are capable of.
However, with Kilkenny the form team at present, and having just secured a morale boosting League title, they should record victory and qualify for a Leinster Final showdown with either Dublin/Offaly.
Meanwhile, the Kilkenny Intermediates and the Carlow Juniors clash for the 2nd time this year, with Carlow having overcome Kilkenny in the National League.
As mentioned numerous times Carlow continue to make massive strides, and playing Intermediate Teams is perfect preparation for the Junior Championship.
Carlow lost out narrowly to an experienced Meath team in the Division Two League Semi-Final, with Meath defeating Galway in the decider.
Mark Brennan’s crew have been well battle hardened this year playing against higher calibre opposition, and they have had two bruising games against Laois over the past four days which will benefit them in the long run.
Having drawn 2-10 to 1-13 in Fenagh last Sunday, Carlow won the replay 0-12 to 1-7 in Camross yesterday evening(Wednesday), and next Sunday’s game in Thomastown will be their 3rd match in the space of 7 days.
Kilkenny had a landslide victory over Westmeath last Sunday, but next Sunday’s challenge will be a different kettle of fish altogether.
Carlow will be favorites having defeated them in the League, but there two titantic struggles against Laois could leave them at a disadvantage.
The Leinster Finals are scheduled for Sunday June 5th, the June Bank Holiday weekend.
