Offaly duo Conor Egan (left) and Leigh Kavanagh close in to challenge Galway's Jonah Donnellan, watched by referee Caymon Flynn, during this year's Leinster U20 Hurling Championship game in Ballinasloe. Photo: Ger Rogers.

U-20 hurlers facing tricky test as team is named

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By Kevin Egan

Anyone who tuned into the recent Leinster SHC game at Parnell Park between Dublin and Wexford would have seen the playing surface in very poor condition, reportedly due to glyphosate spray some weeks ago now taking effect. Consequently, on the back of the hot and dry weather that would have done the grass no favours, the Leinster Under-20 Hurling Championship quarter-final between Offaly and Dublin today (Monday) has been moved to Cedral St. Conleth’s Park in Newbridge (throw-in 3pm).

While this does somewhat lessen the risk factor for Leo O’Connor and his side, it remains a very tricky contest against a team with a lot of talented individuals, the Kilmacud Crokes duo of Brendan Kenny and Conal Ó Riain being two obvious examples.

Ruairí Kelly joining the injury list is a further concern and while Offaly should have a little bit more scoring power, particularly if Adam Screeney is a little bit closer to full fitness, a nervous afternoon lies in store (see Offaly team list below).

Offaly should still be the more likely winners, but a third consecutive Leinster title is a long way from happening yet, and it’ll take a strong showing for that still to be on the table later on today.

Offaly team (vs Dublin): Liam Hoare; Ajay Cleary, Andrew Hogan, James Mahon; James O’Sullivan, Brecon Kavanagh, Donal Shirley; Leigh Kavanagh, Niall Furlong; Shane Rigney, Dan Ravenhill, Conor Doyle; Patrick Lyons, Conor Egan, Adam Screeney (captain).

Subs: Eanna Mulhare, Harry Sweeney, Cathal Robinson, Eoin Bailey O’Brien, Sean Carey, Brian Guinan, Cillian Martin, Caelum Larkin, Gearoid Maher.

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