Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has received a major boost following the return of defenders Noel Hickey and Michael Kavanagh to action in recent days.

ST GALL’S players have incurred their share of painful losses, but manager Lenny Harbinson believes the lessons learnt from those setbacks were central to their success in yesterday’s All-Ireland Club SFC decider.

Kilkenny are without a number of first team regulars for tonight's Allianz NHL Division 1 opener against Tipperary at Semple Stadium (throw-in 7.30pm).

IT was his 14th All-Ireland final but rarely has Kilkenny legend Michael Kavanagh performed as well in Croke Park as he did on Saturday evening and rarely has he felt as much satisfaction afterwards.

FOLLOWING the fireworks in Croke Park on Saturday night, an occasion chosen by the GAA to mark the opening of its 125th year celebrations, Kilkenny and Galway served notice yesterday that hurling too is ready to play its part in what could yet be a really special year for the GAA.

KILKENNY footballers know their place in the scheme of things.

DARE we mention that Kilkenny camogie champions St Lachtain’s, Freshford are bidding for three-in-a-row in Sunday’s All-Ireland senior camogie final in Portlaoise against O’Donovan Rossa from Antrim.

CAMOGIE’S centenary calendar comes to a close on Sunday with all four provinces battling to capture honours in the senior or junior All-Ireland club finals at Parnell Park.

KILKENNY champions St Lachtain’s, Freshford meet Granagh/Ballingarry of Limerick in the semi-final of the All-Ireland senior camogie club championship in Freshford tomorrow, (2pm).