IT’S hard to see Kilkenny losing this Sunday’s All-Ireland final replay according to Cork hurling All-Star contender Patrick Cronin.
 Cronin were beaten by Galway in this year’s All-Ireland semi, but felt the Rebels had a far tougher time of it against Kilkenny in their league final defeat. “If I was brutally honest I was surprised Galway got the draw. I fancied Kilkenny the first day and I would fancy them next Sunday as well, they have the experience.
“Kilkenny bring an unbelievable intensity to the game. We saw that in the league final this year. Even comparing that game to the All-Ireland semi-final with Galway, Kilkenny were more intense.”
The 25-year-old teacher’s priority right now is Bishopstown’s tilt at the SFC and SHC titles. Yesterday he was presented with the Reardens GAA Player of the Round for excelling in the Town’s semi-final victory against Ballymartle.
However he is also looking forward to next season with Cork, Jimmy Barry-Murphy’s second in charge, with strong speculation football aces Aidan Walsh and Ciarán Sheehan could link up with the panel.

“Both of them are brilliant athletes. I haven’t seen Ciarán play a lot of hurling, I have seen quite a bit of Aidan Walsh, but I know they’d bring a bit to our panel.  If they were to join up we’d be more than delighted to have them.”