Familiar opponents stand in the way – Dungarvan Colleges v Kilkenny CBS preview

Back in March 2012, an untidy goal gave Kilkenny CBS a narrow extra time win at Walsh Park to leave Dungarvan CBS with a few lingering regrets as they exited the All Ireland series at the quarter final stage. A year older and wiser, this is a leaner and meaner outfit. They travel to Thurles on Saturday brimming with confidence and optimism for an All Ireland rematch.    

They have marched through the provincial and All Ireland series with a sense of purpose. The only blot on the copybook was a one point loss to St Flannan’s in the group stages. In the semi final, Dungarvan pinpointed the Kieran’s full back line as a weak link and went hunting for goals. Patrick Curran is the star attraction up front but others have also made major contributions along the All Ireland journey. Christy Breathnach has chipped in with vital scores, Ryan Donnelly netted a double in the Harty final and Darragh Lyons was the hat trick hero last time out. Seamus Keating brings a physical presence in the aerial exchanges and his touch has been much sharper in recent outings. Michael Harney also offers a scoring threat in a forward line with the potential to cut loose. They have netted 21 goals in eight games thus far.

If their attack looks menacing, their defence and midfield has a hard edge. Many of Dungarvan’s big wins over the last two seasons have been based on their strength in the half back line and midfield. Tadhg Bourke, Kevin Daly and captain Tom Devine in the half backs offer a solid shield and they can suck the life out of a forward line. Bourke is also capable of landing long distance frees. Colin Dunford’s recent return from injury boosts the midfield. His elusive running came to the fore in the Harty Cup final. Cormac Curran is also likely to join the attack and pop up with a score.

Kilkenny CBS are formidable foes and are seeking to bridge a 32 wait for the Croke Cup. They too got the better of St Kieran’s and prevented their close rivals from making it four in a row on the provincial stage. In the last four, they faced Mercy Colleges from Galway and prevailed by 1-12 to 0-10. They have previous experience of All Ireland final day as they were edged out by Nenagh CBS in Semple Stadium twelve months ago. Their attack is spear headed by Kevin Kenny who accounted for 1-4 in the semi final. Paddy Cahill and Shane Cuddihy are others to watch out for in attack with Paddy Deegan, Cathal McGrath and Robbie Fitzpatrick strong in defence.There are seven survivors from the team that lined out against Dungarvan last year.

It has taken a monumental effort from all involved in this Dungarvan Colleges set-up to reach the summit of colleges hurling. Second place is nowhere when the final whistle sounds on Saturday afternoon. The enormity of the occasion is sure to affect players on both teams but a shrewd management team should keep the Waterford youngsters on an even keel. And if things do go awry, they must remain patient like they did in the Harty Cup final where they put a patchy first half behind them. Sixty minutes stands between them and the history books. The red hot favourites can live up to their billing.

The Road To Semple

Dungarvan Colleges 3-13 Doon CBS 1-13

Dungarvan Colleges 3-12 St Caimin’s 0-11
St Flannan’s 0-16 Dungarvan Colleges 2-9
Dungarvan Colleges 5-18 Gaelcholaiste Mhuire 2-8
Dungarvan Colleges 0-14 Blackwater CS 0-10
Dungarvan Colleges 1-12 Thurles CBS 0-12
Dungarvan Colleges 2-21 Templemore 1-11
Dungarvan Colleges 5-8 St Kieran’s 1-10

Kilkenny CBS 2-13 Castlecomer CS 1-7

Kilkenny CBS 2-18 Good Counsel 0-10
Kilkenny CBS 1-20 Dublin South 0-10
Kilkenny CBS 0-14 Colaiste Eoin 2-6
Kilkenny CBS 1-14 Good Counsel 0-9
Kilkenny CBS 2-9 St Kieran’s 1-7
Kilkenny CBS 1-12 Mercy Colleges 0-10

All Ireland Colleges Senior A Hurling Final
Dungarvan Colleges v Kilkenny CBS

Throw in 3.15 at Semple Stadium

Referee: Shane Hourigan

 

Betting:

Dungarvan Colleges 1/2 Draw 8/1 Kilkenny CBS 2/1