Eoin Kelly. DJ Carey. Henry Shefflin. Tony Griffin.
What do all of these men have in common? They’re all hurling legends, that’s a given. But a rite of passage on each of their paths to greatness was the milestones passed and the things learned in schools hurling.
They all won a Dr Croke Cup – the ultimate honour in schools hurling – and on Saturday, youngsters from Kilkenny and Galway will attempt to join such an illustrious group by etching their names in the history of one of hurling’s most distinguished competitions.
St Kieran’s College – the most successful and the most influential hurling nursery in the land are aiming to make it two wins on the bounce but nothing will come easy on their hunt for a 23rd Croke Cup.
Up against the Kilkenny giants are familiar foes in Presentage College Athenry. Last year, the Galway school came from ten down to force extra-time in the Semple Stadium decider, only for Kieran’s to kick on as they so often do, in extra-time.
Buoyed by the hurt of that loss though, Athenry – with five of last year’s starters still involved – have made it back to the final hurdle again. 1.30 in O’Connor Park, Tullamore on Saturday is their redemption date.
Both sides have an abundance of exciting young stars from 1-15 and here’s just a selection of the talent that will be on show in the Faithful county grounds.
St Kieran’s College
Eoin Cody
Not just a starter, but a star of Ballyhale’s All-Ireland club triumph this season. The sharp, nifty corner forward dazzled the Ballygunner defence in the All-Ireland semi-final and the defenders who could keep up with him – from the county championship to Leinster and onto the All-Ireland, were few and very far between.
Eoin Cody with a crucial goal for @BallyhaleGAA pic.twitter.com/5JkK3XerHh
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 9, 2019
Balanced and composed, Cody is a lethal finisher and his future looks destined to be dominated by the colours black and amber. He plays centre forward and hits the frees for Tom Hogan’s side. Their main man.
Conor Murphy
One of the four survivors from Kieran’s starting team in last year’s final, the Bennetsbridge man moves from full back out to centre back this year.
He’s attempting to follow in the footsteps of his club man Sean Morrissey, by captaining the school to Croke Cup glory.
Ciaran Brennan
An underage soccer star, the Waterford FC striker has represented the Republic of Ireland on numerous occasions with the big round ball. His focus for now though, is on the small ball and he showed on Kilkenny’s run to the All-Ireland minor final last year that he’s absolute dynamite.
Just look at the speed.
Ciarán Brennan’s goal early in the 2nd half. Great finish by Ciarán after great work by his teammates. pic.twitter.com/pNiOdZ2W4a
— St Kieran's College (@KieransCollege) December 4, 2016
Missed out on the semi through injury, this lad back fit, fast and nimble will be worth the specators’ trip alone.
Dean Mason
A reliable presence for Ballyhale between the posts this year, Mason is an agile shot-stopper with a wide range of puckouts.
Presentation Athenry
Mark Kennedy
The Clarinbridge club man top scored for Mike Finn in last year’s final, hitting the Kieran’s defence for 1-8 and he’s been at it again this campaign. Racked up 1-6 against Midleton CBS in the semi and the jinky former Galway under-17 will take the fight to Kieran’s again on Saturday.
Their free-taker and main attacking threat.
TJ Brennan
A half back on last year’s team, the tall, strong and combative Brennan is out in the middle of the park this term. Powerful under the dropping ball, he’ll look to give them the edge in midfield.
Shane Quirke
Wing back on Galway’s All-Ireland minor winning team last year, Quirke is the Pres Athenry captain this time around. Moves from midfield back to centre back, reflecting his growing importance to this team.
Adam Brett
Another member of Galway’s All-Ireland minor winning team, corner forward Brett hit 2-2 in this competition’s finale this year. Fast and accurate, he’ll take some stopping.
The game is live on the TG4 youtube stream and it promises to be a belter.
