Since the Full Time whistle blew in Parnell Park last week, everyone has been looking forward to this Sunday’s upcoming Division 1 League Quarter Final between Kilkenny and Wexford at 4pm in Nowlan Park.
Wexford have been in top form this year under Davy Fitz and you can be sure that they are chomping at the bit for a crack at Brian Cody’s lads this Sunday and truth be known they won’t be going to make up the numbers and will really fancy their chances of causing an upset.
Brian Cody and his team have once again silenced a lot of critics, most notably in that Tipperary game as pointed out by Kilkenny legend Christy Heffernan this week.
Cody himself implied last week that they were written off somewhat after losing to Waterford and Clare in their opening games and their response since that game will have pleased both players and management and obviously create a good environment within the squad.
In terms of Sunday it’s hoped that Richie Hogan will be in a position to play his part after suffering from a couple of niggles recently, while Conor O’Shea looked to have damaged his hamstring last week.
The fearless Padraig Walsh embodied that bravery that a modern day hurler shows last week by disregarding his own safety and taking a sliotar full force in the jaw – something that you wouldn’t even see Happy Gilmore doing.
He has solidified that Full Back position this year despite concerns from critics and for a lad that was never destined to be a natural in that position he has taken to it very well.
The Kilkenny defence will obviously need to keep close tabs on Lee Chin and Conor McDonald, two hurlers that are as good as what’s out there and I reckon if these lads are curtailed then Kilkenny will get past Wexford.
Davy Fitz will probably be thinking the same with regards to TJ Reid and Richie Hogan but then the likes of Conor Martin slip in under the radar like last week, although Barry Carton or Podge Doran could do the same on the opposite side of the spectrum.
This is a massive game ahead of the potential Championship clash, I expect to see a good open game of Hurling played in a great atmosphere at Nowlan Park and I think this one will be a thoroughly enjoyable encounter which Kilkenny should shade.
Adrian Ronan & Michael Walsh are on Commentary this Sunday at 4pm on both frequencies and online thanks to Country Style Foods.
