Athenry v James Stephens preview
Athenry, seasoned campaigners in the All-Ireland club competition, take on Kilkenny county champions James Stephens in the All-Ireland club hurling final today at Croke Park.
Athenry are after a record fourth All-Ireland club title and 'the Village' are after their first since 1983.
Brian Feeney, Joe Rabbitte and free-scoring ace and captain Eugene Cloonan will have to be at their very best today to crush the challenge of a James Stephens side that, despite the lack of club honours, boasts players who have won every honour in the game at inter-county level.
The Village are captained by former All Star Peter Barry, and they also boast Philip Larkin and Brian McEvoy in their ranks - all senior All-Ireland winners with Kilkenny.
They rely on Kilkenny U21 All-Ireland winner Eoin Larkin, who has done most of their scoring along the way.
Athenry go into the game without their inter-county full-back Diarmuid Cloonan, who was sent off in the semi-final win over Tipperary and Munster champions Toomevara.
It's the age-old adage of youth versus experience, and although Athenry's previous club titles will stand them in good stead, most of the James Stephens players won't be overawed by the occasion - after all, Croke Park is Kilkenny's second home in recent years at underage and senior level.
JAMES STEPHENS: F Cantwell; D Cody, M Phelan, D Grogan; J Tyrrell, P Larkin, P Barry; P O'Brien, B McEvoy; J Murphy, E Larkin, G Whelan; E McCormack, R Hayes, D McCormack.
