Cats begin Championship campaign
League champions Kilkenny begin their quest to regain Leinster and All-Ireland honours as they take on Offaly in the Leinster semi-final at Croke Park today.
Division 2 champions Offaly should be sorely tested as Brian Cody’s side demolished Clare last month, while the Faithful defeated Carlow to gain their ticket back to the top flight.
Offaly have not beaten Kilkenny since the All-Ireland final of 1998, and in their last five meetings, the Cats’ winning margin has been an average of 11 points.
Since that All-Ireland defeat, Kilkenny have won five successive provincial titles and today should see them book their passage to another final, when they will look to regain the title they relinquished in losing to eventual winners Wexford in the semi-final last year.
Cats’ boss Cody has named the same side that defeated the Banner in the league final for today’s clash.
Cody had delayed selection as he awaited a fitness test on defender Derek Lyng, who is named in midfield.
Four of the starting line-up get their championship debuts today – James Stephens’ duo Jackie Tyrell and Eoin Larkin, Dicksboro’s Bryan Barry and Carrickshock’s Richie Power.
Offaly boss John McIntyre has opted not to name Faithful legend Brian Whelahan in his side.
The former Hurler of the Year returned to training last week, after it was reported he had retired from the inter-county scene.
The Birr man has not played for the county since limping off against Wexford in last year's Leinster final.
Kevin Brady takes over in the heart of defence, flanked by Shinrone youngster Daniel Hoctor and Colm Cassidy.
Dylan Hayden makes his first championship start as he joins the all-Birr half-forward line.
Ger Oakley goes from midfield to full-back, while Brendan Murphy reverts from attack to partner Michael Cordial in midfield.
KILKENNY (SHC v Offaly): J McGarry; J Tyrrell, N Hickey, J Ryall; R Mullally, P Barry, JJ Delaney; B Barry, D Lyng; M Comerford, E Larkin, T Walsh; R Power, DJ Carey, H Shefflin.
OFFALY (SHC v Kilkenny): B Mullins; B Teehan, G Oakley, D Franks; D Hoctor, K Brady, C Cassidy; M Cordial, B Murphy; G Hanniffy, R Hanniffy, D Hayden; B Carroll, J Brady, D Murray.
