Christmas clash of the ash at kenny park athenry

AT long last — and only a week-and-a-half before Christmas — the Galway Senior Hurling Championship final will be played on Sunday, at Kenny Park, Athenry at 1.30 p.m.
Even this late in the year and the days so cold, Gort vs Portumna promises to be a thriller and a large attendance is expected.
It simply cannot fail as a major sporting occasion, for there’s always a marvellous atmosphere at the famous Athenry venue.
With Pearse Stadium, Salthill closed until the Spring, the County GAA Board are fortunate to have Kenny Park for this huge contest and it should be acknowledged that Duggan Park, Ballinasloe would also have been well able to host this county final between two great hurling clubs who last clashed for the Tom Callanan Memorial Cup six years ago.
Portumna, with the then 20-year-old Joe Canning outstanding in attack, won that 2008 final by eight points, 1-18 to 2-7.
Gort had to wait three years to be crowned county champions, with a 0-17 to 1-12 county final win over the then All-Ireland Club Championship title-holders Clarinbridge.