Under 21 finals to be decided
Kyle Nolan from MLR Photo: Pat Ahern
The respective successes of their adult teams would suggest Mount Leinster Rangers would be red-hot favourites going into this final. But that is certainly not going to be the thinking of Carlow Town who have given as good as they have got all along up through the age levels. The Carlow Town minors did lose two finals at underage level to Rangers but there is no fear there now.
Conaill Fitzpatrick Tim Brennan, and brothers Donagh and Ruairi Murphy won senior championship medals on the field with Rangers this year. All four led the way when seeing off the challenge of St Mullins in the semi-final with a bit to spare. It could be said this is their dream team which have come up through the age levels.
Carlow Town made heavy weather of it when beating Naomh Eoin in their semi-final. They had the accuracy of Alex Delaney to thank as he scored thirteen points out of a total of 1-18. James Ingram scored the goal and he is another player who Carlow Town have relied on. In defence, Sean McMahon and Conaill McGuire will give nothing away easily. In dream team terms, this may not be quite as good as the group coming on next year but they are not that far behind.
These are exciting times for both clubs. For their players, their mentors and admirers none will be found not wanting. Franking the results of previous underage finals and over the last two years, the Borris based side have to be favourites.
Rangers
Mentors from both sides have confirmed that the age profile of their respective sides is young with many of their players set to enjoy underage hurling at this level for a number of years to come.
Ballinkillen topped the group winning two games and receiving a walk-over. Thomas Sheehan is their leading scorer and is deadly accurate from frees. Ciaran O’Neill played in defence for their seniors this year but should play a more central role here. Darragh Cummins and Cian Meaney have hurled well all year.
Bagenalstown Gaels impressed at times in their semi-final win over Naomh Bríd but could have paid the price when they failed to put away the opposition when they were in control. TJ Darcy was their saviour last weekend. Sean Wall captained the senior team this year and they will be looking for more this weekend from players such as Adam Walsh and John Lillis. Ballinkillen have to be favourites but it will be close.
Ballinkillen
