LEINSTER SHC SEMI-FINALS: Kilkenny v Dublin:THIS IS a strange year for the champions. Not since 2004 have Kilkenny had such a poor league and their championship that year was a comparative disaster.
It hasn’t been great for Dublin either. Ronan Fallon’s failure to come back from injury robs the team of someone who’s a big loss on his 2008 form whereas the defection of the O’Carroll brothers, Rory especially, to the big ball and David Treacy’s injury are other setbacks.
Can they reproduce or improve on last year’s determined heroics?
The biggest threat to that is Kilkenny’s panel depth, which allows Brian Cody change a third of the team that beat Tipperary last September including dispensing with a former hurler of the year Eoin Larkin.
Richie Power’s goal scoring exposed Dublin in the league and points up the fact that Dublin failed to score a goal that day just as they have done in the championship against Kilkenny for 13 years.
Dublin may hold the line by supplementing the defence but they’ll need to maintain focus, as Kilkenny may just decide they were too cautious themselves last year, and take a huge proportion of their scoring chances.
KILKENNY: PJ Ryan; J Dalton, N Hickey, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, JJ Delaney; M Rice, M Fennelly; M Comerford, R Hogan, H Shefflin; E Brennan, TJ Reid, R Power.
DUBLIN: G Maguire; N Corcoran, T Brady, O Gough; S Hiney, J Boland, M O'Brien; S Durkin, J McCaffrey; S Lambert, P Kelly, L Rushe; D O'Callaghan, L Ryan, A McCrabbe.
Referee: Dominic Kirwan (Cork).
In the last episode– Last year's Leinster final was a morale boost for Dublin who successfully hung on to Kilkenny's coat tails until near the end by using an extra defender and shooting some good points.
You bet– Kilkenny are untouchable at 1 to 16 with Dublin a distant 9 to 1 and the draw 9 to 1.
On your marks– Noel Hickey's return from injury after two years can be big plus for Kilkenny if he's able to pick up where he left off, as it resolves a lot of defensive issues. Tomorrow is the first test.
Gaining ground– Kilkenny are unbeaten in Croke Park since their last championship defeat, by Galway five years ago. Dublin broke even at the venue last year, beating Antrim and losing to Kilkenny.
Just the ticket– Stand tickets (€30 – no concessions in Hogan), Family tickets for the Cusack and Davin stands (adults €30 and children €5). Terrace (€20 – no concessions). Students and OAPs can get €15 rebate.
Crystal gazing– Kilkenny by more than last year.
