Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has rung the changes for Sunday’s crucial National Hurling League relegation playoff versus Clare.
Fresh from their All-Ireland club success with Ballyhale Shamrocks, Joey Holden, Michael Fennelly, TJ Reid and Colin Fennelly make their first appearance of the year for the Cats. In his first game as Captain, Joey Holden is named at corner-back in place of the injured Jackie Tyrrell. St Lachtains man Brian Kennedy makes way for Michael Fennelly at midfield and his brother Colin starts at full-forward with Kevin Kelly who scored 1-09 against the Banner last week dropping to the bench. Illness rules Carrickshock’s John Power out of the crucial fixture and his place is taken by TJ Reid.
Cody has opted for three further changes with Lester Ryan, Cillian Buckley and Richie Hogan all returning. 2014 All-Ireland winning captain, Lester Ryan enters the team at wing-back with Tomás Keogh exiting the lineup. Dicksboro’s Cillian Buckley is the second change to the half-back line and Willie Phelan loses out. The final change sees 2014 Hurler of the Year Richie Hogan start at corner-forward with Mark Kelly departing the starting fifteen.
It is expected Davy Fitzgerald will not name his team until closer to matchday. Paul Flanagan has been ruled out with an Achilles injury, doubts remain over the trio of Cian Dillon, Tony Kelly and Darach Honan due to an illness. Whitegate’s Brendan Bugler is serving the final match of his two game suspension. It is unlikely that Patrick O’Connor, Colm Galvin or Conor McGrath will feature due to injury.
Clare FM will have live commentary from Nowlan Park in association with Matt Waters Clare Fruit and Veg Market and Donie O’Keeffe Champion Meats Turnpike Road Ennis.
Kilkenny Team:
1: Eoin Murphy (Glenmore)
2: Shane Prendergast (Clara)
3: Paul Murphy (Danesfort)
4: Joey Holden (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
5: Lester Ryan (Clara)
6: Kieran Joyce (Rower Inistioge)
7: Cillian Buckley (Dicksboro)
8: Joe Lyng (Rower Inistioge)
9: Michael Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
10: Walter Walsh (Tulogher Rosbercon)
11: TJ Reid (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
12: Matthew Ruth (James Stephens)
13: Jonjo Farrell (Thomastown)
14: Colin Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
15: Richie Hogan (Danesfort).
