St Kieran's take the first significant step in the defence of their All-Ireland Colleges senior hurling title tomorrow when they meet St Peter's, Wexford in the opening quarter-final of the Leinster championship. But the trip to New Ross shouldn't cause too much concern for the Kilkenny school, who last year extended their All-Ireland title honours to a record 14.

After struggling in the preChristmas league and finishing bottom of division one, St Peter's face a major assignment just to contain the Kilkenny students. In fact, it's hard to see anyone preventing St Kieran's from reaching yet another Leinster final.

The most severe challenge will come from Kilkenny CBS, who tomorrow meet Cistercian, Roscrea in Portlaoise. Some of the results this season suggest that the gap between the Kilkenny rivals may not be as wide as recent years, but it may be the final on March 17th before that question is ultimately decided. The refixed quarter-final in the football championship between St Mel's, Longford and Good Counsel is due to go ahead in Carlow this afternoon. Both schools have burnt a fearless path to this stage and the winners are almost certain to play St Patrick's, Navan in the final.