GAA: Cats confident Dowling is cream of the crop
Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody has handed a championship debut to Sean Dowling, as the Cats prepare for the Leinster final showdown with Wexford at Croke Park on Sunday.
The O’Loughlin/Gaels player replaces the inspirational Peter Barry, who has been ruled out with a broken thumb.
Kilkenny County Board secretary Pat Dunphy said: "He (Dowling) has a big job to come in and replace Peter Barry - but we’re extremely confident that he’s up to the test.
"Sean picked up an All-Ireland Under-21 medal two years ago so I’m positive he won’t be overawed by Sunday’s occasion."
Centre-forward Brian McEvoy comes in for John Power who misses out due to the groin injury he sustained in the county’s thumping victory over Offaly at Croke Park on June 10.
John Hoyne moves to centre-forward, while Denis Byrne switches to right-half forward. Much to the relief of the Kilkenny faithful, DJ Carey has been declared fit to play and will take his place in the forward line.
