Munster Express Online

 The first game this Sunday in Walsh Park is the clash between Abbeyside and Passage. Both of these teams will be regarding the Senior Hurling Championship in completely different lights. Abbeyside will be looking to go one step further than last year and capture the County Senior Hurling crown for the first time ever. Indeed, I am reliably informed that this is the only trophy in football and hurling that Abbeyside/Ballinacourty have failed to win. Very few would bet against them achieving their own grand slam this year. Abbeyside are an incredibly well-balanced side that are several people’s favourites to go all the way this year. In Daryl Ryan, they possess a very reliable young goalkeeper while even without the injured John Kindregan the full back line has a strong look to it in the shape of Tiernan Murray, Richie Foley and Gavin Breen. Patrick Lynch and Shane Briggs bring plenty of guile to the half back line while John Hurney and Sean O’Hare are hugely impressive in midfield. County star Gary Hurney is the fulcrum of an attack that also includes Mark and John Gorman as well as county panellist, Patrick Hurney. Abbeyside struggled for long periods in last weekend’s victory over Stradbally but will only improve on that showing.

Passage began last week’s match against Ballyduff with 9 Under 21s in their team and their inexperience showed. They are building an exciting future in Passage and provided they hold on to their senior status, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. County players Noel Connors and Eoin Kelly are obviously their main men but Eoin Connors (if fit) can also be a prolific scorer. Elsewhere, county minor player Mark Wyse, Thomas Connors and Conor Carey would probably hold their places on any other club team in the county.

Passage were hugely disappointing in losing to Ballyduff last Sunday and there is bound to be a backlash in this game. However, I still feel Abbeyside will be too strong for them. Abbeyside had a great spread of scorers in their victory over Stradbally and I think that this extra scoring power will get them over the line this Sunday. [Eddie Kirwan]