W2C-010 Sunday Life 2-6.txt
CHAMPS CAN RETAIN TITLE Micheal McGeary

All Ireland champions Kilkenny put their title on the line this afternoon against a Galway side desperately keen to revive the glory days of the late 80s.

The influence of Kilkenny and Galway hurling is reflected in the fact that they have qualified for three finals, minor, U-21 and senior.

Kilkenny could have been beaten in the Leinster championship but for a controversial penalty, awarded after John Power went down in the square.

Wexford too had chances to beat them, in the Leinster final and in the replay, but let them off the hook.

In fairness against Offaly they were short three players, with three again missing against Wexford.

There is, however, a tremendous cameraderie and resilience within the squad.

They are great survivors who simply never countenance defeat.

Both sides have an average age of 25.

The intensity and urgency of Galway's hurling in the semi-final win over Tipperary surprised most people.

There is though a real danger that Galway may have already played their All Ireland final, and that after their sterling endeavours against Tipperary they won't have sufficient left in the tank.

Seldom has a team been so fired up prior to a major match, due largely to the pompous comments of Tipperary manager Babs Keating, who should have known better.

Even the three debutants came in and played like never before.

Galway will still go in as underdogs - an unusual position for them - but one that should suit them down to the ground.

Attack

The fact they are playing Kilkenny won't make them feel intimidated or fazed in any way.

Tradition is no longer against them.

They have beaten all the top hurling powers at various stages in the last decade.

Attack is obviously Galway's biggest concern.

They won against Tipperary without ever putting away all the chances they created.

Pauric Kelly, Murt Killea and Joe McGrath are under pressure to again reproduce their heroics of the semi-final win.

Michael McGrath, Joe Cooney, Michael Phelan, so there's a huge responsibility on the shoulders of Michael Coleman.

Galway's revival is no overnight success.

It's all down to hard work at ever level of the sport, but anytime Kilkenny get to a final they expect to win.

The champions have tremendous belief in their own ability, and while it's premature to compare them with the great Kilkenny sides they look well enough equipped to retain their title.
