Big Kilkenny representation in today's Fitzgibbon Cup Final
DCU and UL go head to head in the Connacht Centre of Excellence
It may be a break week in the Allianz League but there is plenty to keep Kilkenny hurling fans entertained with a number of players from the county involved in this afternoon's Fitzgibbon Cup Final.
The marquee college competition has always being a good breeding ground for up and coming stars and while Kilkenny contribution has been minimal in the last few years, it's very different today.
The DCU side are aiming to win a landmark double on the back of Sigerson Cup success in the football earlier this week and it would be a historic achievemnet as they have never tasted victory in the Fitzgibbon Cup.
It's only the North Dublin outfit's second appearance in the final but they are a team that are made on Noreside with seven starters from Kilkenny.
Kilkenny senior panelist and Dicksboro star Padraic Moylan is the captain while Young Irelands man Paddy Langton is the vice-captain as the college aims to contiue it's winning run which has seen them cause upsets against the likes of Mary I and UCC.
The duo man the DCU defence at full and centre back respectively but are also assisted by Billy Reid (Glenmore), Padraig Lennon (Carrickshock) and Ivan Bolger (Graiguenamanagh) while in attack Dunnamaggin's Denis Walsh is one of the top scorers alongside Cathal Beirne (Glenmore) and Dicksboro's James Carroll has also been in and out of the starting selection.
There's further Kilkenny stars involved with Bill Hughes (Bennettsbridge), Sam Byrne (Blacks and Whites), Eoin O'Brien (Rower Inistioge) and Ted Dunne (Graignamanagh) all looking to add a third level medal to their collection.
While the Kilkenny influence ain't as prevalent on the UL side, there are still notable inclusions with Emeralds player Killian Doyle lining out at wing back and Glenmore's Ian Byrne also involved on the Limerick university's squad as they look to recapture a title they last won in 2023.
Another cracking tie is expected and the game is live on TG4 with a 2.45pm throw-in.