Tough test looming for Kells hurlers

As the curtain-raiser to Sunday"s SHC final between Kilmessan and Kildalkey, the IHC champions Gaeil Colmcille will attempt to negotiate the first Leinster Club JHC hurdle when they take on Ballyskenach from Offaly Pairc Tailteann, 1.30. The grading for the provincial championships have placed the Meath intermediate champions in the junior grade, but that doesn"t mean that the Kells side are in for an easy ride as they face the Offaly intermediate side who were a senior club in 2007 and have bounced back at the first attempt. Ballyskenach have also appeared in a recent Offaly SHC final in 2003, losing to the great Birr team inspired by the legendary Whelehan"s. Ironically, Ballyskenach secured their place in the provincial competition and their spot back in senior hurling for 2009 by defeating defending champions Birr"s second team in the IHC final. Just as in the Meath IFC final between St Ultan"s and Cortown, there were brothers in opposition in that Offaly IHC final when Ballyskenach"s Aidan Franks lined out against his brother Donal from Birr. Brendan Murphy will have a huge influence for the Offaly men and if he, along with Alan and Derek Middleton, Morgan Lalor, Timmy Hennessy, the Kirwan brothers Mark, Shane and Ciaran, Franks and John Dooley, hit form, then 'Skenach will be hard beaten. Gaeil Colmcille will look to their outstanding Meath minor captain Brendan Murray for inspiration. The full-forward contributed 1-6 of his side"s 2-13 tally in their three-point victory over Dunderry in the Meath IHC final. Tom Shine is another key player for the Meath champions, but they will have their work cut out against the raging hot favourites. Anything other than a comfortable Ballyskenach victory would be a major surprise. The contest promises to be a perfect appetiser for the main game at Pairc Tailteann, the eagerly awaited SHC Jubilee Cup final between Kilmessan and Kildalkey, 3.30 which will be refereed by Navan O"Mahonys official Donal Smith.