- Joe

As I eagerly await the arrival of my own Clare into this years’ Bord Gáis Energy Munster Under 21 Hurling Championship, it hasn’t taken long for a number of teams to put their hands up as leading contenders.

Cork looked impressive despite keeping Cork senior footballer Aidan Walsh in reserve in their opening Championship encounter against Waterford.

Kanturk dual star Aidan Walsh

This lad from Kanturk is a real dual star although a hamstring injury the last day out with the senior footballers against Kerry may yet hamper his year for both the Under 21 hurlers and the senior footballers.

Ryan Clifford is another rising star on Leeside and proved his reputation was well merited with six fine points that evening against the Déise.

This week though the focus is to the East and it’s going to be a great week for Leinster. Kilkenny will be a force again this year…as always!

They have already blitzed a highly fancied Offaly side. Wing Forward Mark Bergin was particularly impressive with a personal tally of 1-9!
    
The Cats now play Dublin in the Leinster Semi in what is essentially a repeat of year’s decider which the Cats won 2-20 to 1-19. You would have to hope that after the drubbing handed out at the weekend, that the Dubs have not been affected by the performance of their senior team. They will need all guns blazing against this Kilkenny team.

Kilkenny vs. Dublin - Leinster Semi Final (Nowlan Park - 23rd June '10)

Carlow will play Wexford in the other Semi Final with the Carlow lads having already seen off Laois in the quarter-final.

Carlow hurling teams are making massive progress lately with their senior hurlers defeating eventual Division Two winners Wexford during their League campaign.

With due respect to Wexford, it would be a significant achievement for a county like Carlow to qualify for a Leinster Under 21 Hurling Final. To be honest it’s a real possibility as this young hurling side have already proven their worth at minor level and considering the senior league performance of some of their younger players, their self belief must be growing.

For any county that wants success, the Under 21 Championship is both a breeding ground for future stars but also a wonderful Championship in its own right. This year’s Championship is intriguing to say the least with a whole host of matches that could go either way.  There’s one other reason why I love the Under 21 Championship.

The majority of games are played on Wednesday nights and where else in the world would you get it…great games of skill and passion, a chance to meet old and new friends, an opportunity to socialise and romantic venues like Fraher Field Dungarvan, Parnell Park, Dublin or Cusack Park Ennis???

Ok … ok….romantic…. might just be pushing it a little bit too far !!!

- Marty

Tags: Aidan Walsh, blog, Bord Gáis Energy, cork, Joe Canning, Kilkenny, Leinster, marty morrissey, Under 21 Championship