"It's a very hard time of the year to expect guys to hurl"
December 05, 2018
Eddie Brennan as Kilkenny manager.
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan.
New Laois hurling manager Eddie Brennan isn’t a fan of winter hurling.
The former Kilkenny star will take charge of the O’Moore County for the first time in a competitive fixture against Offaly in Birr this Sunday and it’s fair to say he’s not entirely thrilled about the timing of the Kehoe Cup clash.
“Yeah, it’s a very hard time of the year to expect guys to hurl and showcase what they can do, but for me it’s only going to be about the attitude, and how lads dig in and grind and gel together,” he remarked to the Leinster Express.
“It’s having a look at how lads interact with each other on the pitch, I think that’s all you can ask for at this time of year, because it’s not top-of-the-ground hurling, it’s not going to be the same as what you’re hoping for come Joe McDonagh time when you have fast, firmer conditions, but it is a gauge of what’s in lads’ heads and what’s in lads’ bellies.
“I think that’s what winter hurling is all about, it’s pure heart and it’s a struggle because your confidence levels aren’t that (high), you’re not as fit as you could be and your touch might not be as good, but you just have to make the most of it.
“The reality of it is we’re working with a panel of 40 fellas and there’s competition for places too.”
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