Laois manager Niall Rigney has handed a Championship debut to Patrick Carroll after naming his side to face Carlow in this Saturday's GAA Leinster Senior Hurling Championship opener at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise.

Kilkenny Senior Hurling manager Brian Cody has been dealt a major blow with the news that defender Brian Hogan will not play any part in this years GAA Leinster Senior Hurling Championship due to injury.