WILL IT BE 4TH TIME LUCKY?
There is the well known term ‘third time lucky’ but for the John Lockes hurling team the term "4th time lucky" is now the main topic as we wait in anticipation to see what the weather will bring next weekend. The Leinster Junior final has been officially refixed for Sunday next 19th December in Drumcullens home ground of Rath, but at this stage we have suffered so many disappointments in recent weeks with the game been called off because of the weather, that we will have fingers toes and everything possible cross in the hope we will make that momentous journey to County Offaly next Sunday morning.
It has been tough for manager Bobby Jackman to create ideal training and fitness facilities for the players as safety was always the most important factor. It hasn’t been easy for the mentors trying to keep the momentum going but no doubt Drumcullen have had exactly the same problems. The Wallslough facility on the Bennetsbridge Road in Kilkenny was ideal during the bad weather as it allowed the players to continue their tough training regime. The bad weather has in some way knocked the wind out of sails and the enthusiasm for the game waned during the poor weather, but we have to rekindle this enthusiasm big time this week and really get behind the team for Sunday. Yes there have been moans about the game been played the last Sunday before Christmas but in fairness if this game can be played on Sunday and hopefully the Lockes will lift the Leinster title for the first time in their history it will give the players and mentors an opportunity to enjoy Christmas before returning to training early in the New Year. The Lockes lads really need the support that has attended all the games this year. Forget about the Christmas shopping on Sunday and do it on Saturday. Get your cars or on the bus and travel with your colours and shout on the Lockes to victory. Let’s get the parish behind them as they go for history and let’s be part of that history next Sunday by being there to see this excellent small bunch of players do the business. Whatever happens we will have a rip roaring night back at the Old Charter later where George Foley will again be giving his generous sponsorship by proving the meals for the team and mentors. Let’s not forget the other sponsors, Mickey’s bar, the Cosy Inn, Callan Co-Op and Simon Whitty of Tyreland Ballybur Cuffsgrange. Get on the road to Offaly and let’s give it wellie and show that the Lockes are a Kilkenny team of quality. The John Lockes club are running a supporters bus which will leave from the Super Valu carpark at 11.30 am sharp and booking can be made through Bosco Bryan at 086.2894827. Adults cost €10 and children €5. As always the support from Callan people has been wonderful and hopefully a big crowd will travel next Sunday, but wrap up well because there is no stand at Drumcullens ground. At this stage you should have the directions to Rath off by heart having printed the details here for the past four weeks but in case you haven’t read the Callan Notes (shame on you), Travelling to Rath on Sunday for the Leinster Final the Offaly clubs county Board delegate has advised that people travel through Birr and not as advised on the sat- nav system through Portlaoise. You should take the Tullamore road out of BIrr as far as Five Alleys 7km approx where you turn right onto the Kinnity road and travel about 2km to a four crossroads where you go straight ahead and Rath pitch is approximately 300m up on the left hand side.