1.
Eoin Murphy
(Glenmore)
0 of 14
Age: 24
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 12st 11lbs
Occupation: WIT student
Unusual to change ‘keeper before final but he was the first choice up until the arm injury. Heavily strapped on the semi-final bench he’s obviously recovered. Fine goalkeeper with superb delivery and striking, as you’d expect from Fitzgibbon winning forward.
2.
Paul Murphy
(Danesfort)
Age: 25
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 14st 7lbs
Occupation: Army
Best corner back in the game, he’s hugely influential for Kilkenny. Technically accomplished, he’s also inspirational in his interventions and powerful clearances. Distribution has also improved. His battle with Corbett ended prematurely last year and will be telling tomorrow.
3.
JJ Delaney
(Fenians Johnstown)
Age: 32
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 13st 4lbs
Occupation: Sales representative.
One of my favourite players ever, especially at seven. Some question marks over pace but under dropping ball and close up he’s unbeatable. Travelled a fair bit against Galway but not always comfortable in open space. Key task marking on-form Callanan.
4.
Jackie Tyrrell
(James Stephens)
Age: 32
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 14st 5lbs
Occupation: Sales representative Glanbia
Restored to corner back against Galway and formidable as ever in tight exchanges, he did the required against Limerick and wasn’t troubled by Dublin. Looked vulnerable last year on open ground in Thurles but so far yet to be tested.
5.
Joey Holden
(Ballyhale Shamrocks)
Age: 24
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 12st 10lbs
Occupation: Teacher
Inexperienced but after a poor league final he found his way back into the team after the changes against Galway. Held up very well in the frantic closing stages against Limerick and no-one did more hooking and blocking. Bright future.
6.
Brian Hogan
(O’Loughlin Gaels)
Age: 33
Height: 6’ 4”
Weight: 14st 8lbs
Occupation: Medical representative Grunenthal Pharma
Linchpin for many years. Like the team he looked out-paced in Thurles last year and possibly on the way out. Restored against Galway and solid since. Grew stronger as the Limerick match progressed but Maher’s direct running will test him.
7.
Cillian Buckley
(Dicksboro)
Age: 22
Height: 6’
Weight: 12st 8lbs
Occupation: UCD student
Best year after a couple of seasons of injury. One of Kilkenny’s top players so far after consistent league and championship. Covers back intelligently and contributes going forward with excellent distribution. Galway’s attempt to exploit him in the air failed.
8.
Richie Hogan
(Danesfort)
Age: 26
Height: 5’ 7”
Weight: 12st 7lbs
Occupation: Teacher
It will take a big performance from the competition to dislodge him from Hurler of the Year. He’s done all sorts of midfield work from defensively tracking back to pushing forward. Goal against Limerick showcased strength, great touch and striking.
9.
Conor Fogarty
(Erin’s Own)
Age: 24
Height: 5’ 11”
Weight: 12st 7lbs
Occupation: Teacher
Introduced the second day against Galway: the development in his physicality over 10 months was obvious. A great tactical switch from corner back, he has added defensive presence to Kilkenny’s midfield, which went missing in the Galway draw but not since.
10.
Michael Fennelly (
Ballyhale Shamrocks)
Age: 29
Height: 6’ 3”
Weight: 14st 7lbs
Occupation: Student
Massive physical presence but has struggled with injury since his best year in 2011. Severe back injury has restricted his recent game time. On song, he’s a powerful threat and may try to keep Pádraic Maher on the back foot.
11.
Colin Fennelly
(Ballyhale Shamrocks)
Age: 25
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 13st 2lbs
Occupation: Army
Energy and pace make him an exceptional player. Capable of sublime first touch and great finishing although sometimes glitches get into the system. Tipp can’t afford to stand off him. Great defensive intervention on Graeme Mulcahy against Limerick showed versatility.
12.
TJ Reid
(Ballyhale Shamrocks)
Age: 26
Height: 6’ 2”
Weight: 13st 3lbs
Occupation: Sales representative Connolly’s Redmills
Has been outstanding all year with memorable scores, like the great touch and control for a point against Offaly and excellent frees. Corner forward however didn’t suit him in semi-final and Séamus Hickey got on top. Having his best championship.
13.
Walter Walsh
(Tullogher Rosbercon)
Age: 23
Height: 6’ 5”
Weight: 15st 6lbs
Occupation: Student
Form hasn’t been great but he’s reportedly been carrying an injury. Has been airlifted into a final before and came away Man of the Match so he won’t be fazed and Brian Cody likes big corner forwards on smaller defenders.
14.
Richie Power
(Carrickshock)
Age: 28
Height: 6’
Weight: 13st
Occupation: Sales representative Kinetica Sports
Returned quickly from yet another injury to make a big contribution off the bench against Limerick. On his day, as fine a player as there is but hasn’t quite reached the heights expected of him. More to come, you’d suspect.
15.
Eoin Larkin
(James Stephens)
Age: 30
Height: 6’
Weight: 13st 7lbs
Occupation: Army
Scored plenty against Offaly and Dublin but is seen more these days in a more withdrawn role. Experienced, can win ball and if not the threat of old still capable of scoring but playing deeper reflects Kilkenny’s more defensive alignment.
