Preview: Celbridge face big challenge against Kilkenny kingpins as they get Leinster campaign underway tomorrow
Graigue Ballycallan v Celbridge
Leinster Club SHC quarter-final, Callan, Saturday November 3, 1.30pm
To get to the top you have to beat the best, and Celbridge have known that more than most in recent years. They looked the unlikeliest of county champions a couple of months ago when they were struggling through the early rounds of the championship, but, like 2016, they timed their run to perfection and triumphed by nearly beating Ardclough in the county final three weeks’ ago.
Just like in 2016, they will have to face off against a formidable Kilkenny side in the Leinster Championship. Two years ago they faced a star-studded Carrickshock side in the final, and this time around they face a similarly impressive Graigue Ballycallan outfit in the last eight.
The amalgamation of the parishes of Graigue Cross, Kilmanagh and Callan won the Intermediate Championship title thanks to a stunning comeback against Tullaroan last Sunday, battling back from a five-point deficit with seven minutes to go to eventually emerge on the right side of a 2-16 to 2-13 scoreline.
The catalyst for their storming finish was Conor Murphy, a young forward who is a graduate of the famous St Kieran’s College in the Marble City. He plundered 2-10 in a frankly sensational display, with a goal and three points of that tally arriving in the final few minutes to see his side over the line.
Aside from Murphy, there is plenty of class within the ranks of the newly crowned champions who are back at the top table of Kilkenny hurling for the first time since 1987. Kilkenny senior star Billy Ryan is one notable figure, but the big name is legendary Cats supremo Eddie Brennan, who is operating at centre-forward for Graigue Ballycallan.
Celbridge have had plenty of time since their own county final heroics to celebrate, get back down to earth and then prepare for the challenge ahead. The six-day turnaround is undoubtedly a hindrance for Graigue Ballycallan, but they will still go into this game as warm favourites with the added bonus of home advantage.
The north Kildare men will need to put in a performance that is greater than anything they have produced so far this year, and they will need to be as efficient as possible on front of goal. Tom Fitzgerald has hit form at the right time for the blues, picking off 1-3 from play in a strong county final performance. Alongside him in the full-forward line is the big presence of Fergal Conway who has been scoring goals for fun since getting back to playing the small ball game after his exploits with the Kildare footballers this summer.
They will need their big forwards to have a decisive impact on Saturday, and for Billy White to be on his game from placed balls.
Further back the field they will require some big performances in key areas. Niall O’Muineacháin was back to his best in the county final, and the centre-back could be set for a thrilling battle with Eddie Brennan that will have a big bearing on the outcome of the game. Sean O’Sullivan has had a big breakthrough campaign at corner-back, and in the other corner Patrick Curtin continues to prove his value as one of the best man markers in the county. Either of those players will likely pick up the in-form Murphy and curtailing his influence will be high on the agenda for Damien Byrne’s side.
A lot will depend on how hectic the celebrations were in the small Kilkenny parishes after Sunday’s win, but teams from the county of the Cats have always managed to perform well in the junior and intermediate grades at provincial and All-Ireland level. No team outside Kilkenny has won the Leinster Intermediate Championship since 2011, so that gives an indication of the challenge that Celbridge face on Saturday. A victory would prove to be a massive upset, but the north Kildare men have had the time to prepare to make their mark on the provincial scene.