KCLR analyst Brian Dowling says he has been impressed by Graigue-Ballycallan during this year’s Kilkenny Senior Hurling League.
Riche O’Neill’s side have won three of their four games and head into the final round of the round-robin section this Saturday when they face Glenmore.
Graigue-Ballycallan finished towards the bottom of the table last season, but have made a significant improvement this year and are now challenging for a place in the top two.
Dowling believes their performances have been particularly impressive given the players they have been without.
“For Graigue-Ballycallan to end up in the top two, compared to the bottom two last year, I think they’ll be absolutely delighted.
“And the way they’re playing, Aaron McEvoy is in serious form in the forward line. I don’t think anyone will be looking forward to meeting them.”
Dowling also pointed to the players Graigue-Ballycallan have been missing, with Billy Ryan having moved on this year, while Sean Ryan has returned from Australia but is currently sidelined with a hand injury.
“Billy Ryan obviously has gone this year. Sean Ryan has come back from Australia, but has picked up a hand injury. So it’s even incredible to see what they’re doing without the two of them.”
Graigue-Ballycallan will now look to finish their league campaign strongly against Glenmore before attention turns to the knockout stages.
You can hear more ahead of the final weekend of the Kilkenny Senior, Intermediate and Junior Leagues on the KCLR Hurling Podcast, where the team also looks ahead to this weekend’s Carlow championship semi-finals.
