Clare and Conlon keen to retain Munster and All-Ireland crowns

Captains Meet ahead of Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA
Hurling U-21 Final
The captains of both Tipperary and Clare were in attendance today in Killaloe ahead of their Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final clash on Wednesday evening. Padraic Maher of Tipperary and John Conlon of Clare met at Killaloe Bridge to publicise one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the summer.

Tipperary's form at this level is well known. Only twice in the last decade have they failed to make it to the Munster Final and out of the seven appearances to date, they have won on four occasions. In last year's Munster campaign, it was Waterford that put them to the sword, but this year there was no repeat as they beat a very impressive Cork side away from home at Páirc Uí Chaoímh. In this their eighth Munster U-21 Final appearance of the decade, they will be keen to reclaim a title they last won in 2008.

Up until last year, bar a couple of Munster Final appearances, Clare had little or no form at U-21 level. But all that was swept aside when they became the story of the hurling year as they overcame Limerick, Waterford, Galway and Kilkenny en route to maiden Munster and All-Ireland titles. The scenes in Croke Park that memorable September day will never be forgotten by all that witnessed them and you'd imagine that having waited so long, this bunch of players will be slow to release their grip on a title they battled so hard to win.

A number of hurlers on both sides have lined out for their respective senior teams and much will be expected from stars such as Bord Gáis Energy ambassadors Darach Honan, Noel McGrath and Padraic Maher.

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana said in advance of Wednesday's final, "We have been spoilt by the fare thrown up by the Munster final in recent seasons and hurling at this grade has more than held its own with games played at other age groupings. Last season's Waterford v Clare clash was one to savour and it added to the aura that counties like Limerick, Cork and Tipperary have helped to create in recent seasons in this eagerly awaited fixture.

"I have no reason to think that this year's final will be any different and I am looking forward to the prospect of more exciting, open hurling that has been and continues to be enjoyed by so many hurling enthusiasts".
Ger Cunningham, Sports Sponsorship Manager at Bord Gáis Energy was looking forward to the occasion as much as anything else, "There is something about a Munster Final that really stirs the soul of all hurling fans and probably all GAA fans. Having Wednesday's final in the home of hurling, Semple Stadium, makes it all the more special and we at Bord Gáis Energy are thrilled to once again be associated with the competition.

"As for the match itself, both teams have been very impressive in this year's campaign dispatching of Limerick and Cork en route to Wednesday's final so it is a very close one to call".

Bord Gáis Energy are encouraging fans to arrive early as the atmosphere before and during the game will be boosted by the attendance of the Tipp FM crew and half time will see a return of the Crossbar Challenge, hosted once again this year by Marty Morrissey.

Wednesday night also sees the Bord Gáis Energy Ulster Hurling U-21 Final taking place between Armagh and Antrim at Casement Park, throw in at 7.30pm.

At Semple Stadium, the throw in for the Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Final is also at 7.30pm and the match will be broadcast live on TG4.

ENDS
Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling
U-21 All-Ireland Championship 2010 Fixtures

Bord Gáis Energy Leinster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
9th June: Kilkenny (2-31) v Offaly (0-8)
Laois (0-9) v Carlow (1-14)
23rd June: Kilkenny (0-12) v Dublin (0-17)
Wexford (2-17) v Carlow (2-13)
14th July: Dublin (2-15) v Wexford (0-15)

Bord Gáis Energy Munster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
2nd June: Cork (1-16) v Waterford (1-3)
14th July: Limerick (1-12) v Clare (1-15)
Tipperary (2-17) v Cork (0-21)
28th July: Munster Final

Bord Gáis Energy Ulster GAA Hurling U-21 Championship
14th July: Armagh (2-19) v Fermanagh (2-8)
21st July: Antrim (0-19) v Down (1-12)
Derry (0-10) v Armagh (2-12)
28th July: Ulster Final

Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling U-21 All-Ireland Championship
21st August: All-Ireland Semi Finals
11/12th September: All-Ireland Final