Walshs of nenagh north tipperary under 21 a hurling final preview
Walsh’s of Nenagh North Tipperary Under 21 'A' Hurling Final
Kildangan v Nenagh Eire Og at Dolla on Sunday 30th November at 2.00pm
It's hard to believe that you have to go back twenty years to the last time Nenagh Eire Og won the North U21 'A' Hurling title. They reached the final three years ago when losing to Burgess and after defeating Kilruane MacDonaghs in last Sunday’s semi-final they now face Kildangan in the decider.
It's even more intriguing when one appreciates that Nenagh Eire Og completed a seven-in-a-row of North Minor 'A' hurling successes betweem 2007 and 2013 but failed to record an U21 success in that period, but the cream of that great period will fill the fifteen positions next Sunday.
While Nenagh hope to be aiming for their seventh U21 'A' title they come up against a Kildangan side aiming for their very first. The five-time U21 'B' champions have been knocking at the door in recent years.
Both sides are unbeaten in their path to the final. Nenagh Eire Og defeated Kilruane by a goal in the first round and the sides met again in last week’s semi-final with the margin surprisingly comfortable.
Led by captain Kevin Flynn in goal, the sky blues have a strong defence with Adam Gratton, Darragh Walsh, Sean Geaney and Michael Collins. The suspended Andrew Coffey will be a major loss. Both Gary Howard and Barry Heffernan are a formidable pairing at midfield while the attack sports well known names like Mark Tuite, David Hickey, James Mackey, John Cahalan, Bob O’Brien and the hard working Donnacha Quinn.
On the other hand, Kildangan reached the final with wins over Burgess and a semi-final win over Roscrea. The win over Roscrea was on the foot of a great comeback where Alan Flynn, David Sweeney, Paul Flynn and Willie Connors were the main architects. The defence has many good attributes to it with Johnny Horan, Andy Loughnane, Jim Minehan and Darren Moran to the fore. Tom McLoughlin and jack Loughnane will man midfield while Sean Webb and Tadgh Gallagher will take a bit of watching.
The game is very difficult to call. Nenagh seem to have a better balanced side but if Kildangan’s big men take charge they may well have the silverware in Puckane on Sunday evening.