KILKENNY’S pursuit of three All-Ireland hurling crowns in the space of eight days got off to a successful start in Semple Stadium on Saturday night.

Kilkenny have chosen a strong side to face Waterford in a Senior Hurling game to mark the opening of Mooncoin GAA Club’s new complex on Sunday.

Kilkenny make a number of changes in personnel and positions to their team from the side which defeated Limerick, for the final League game against Waterford.

KILKENNY midfielder James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick has described experienced defender Noel Hickey’s return to intercounty hurling as ‘a big boost’ after the Dunamaggin defender played his first competitive game since the 2008 All-Ireland SHC final in Sunday’s NHL Division 1 win over Limerick.

NOEL HICKEY makes his long-awaited comeback from injury for Kilkenny tomorrow afternoon after he was named at full-back for their NHL Division 1 clash against Limerick.

IN JANUARY 2007, Johnny Keane embarked on the 80 mile round trip from his home in Liscarroll to Dripsey, where he had become the club’s hurling coach.

THREE counties will be targeting rare doubles at Croke Park this weekend when the finals of the Intermediate and Junior hurling and football All-Ireland championships take centre stage at HQ.

Paddy Hogan and Richie Power have been brought into the Kilkenny side for Saturday's Erin All-Ireland Under-21 hurling semi-final against Galway (Tullamore, throw-in 6.30pm).

Kilkenny 0-15 Cork 2-8

THE Cork minor hurling selectors have made a number of changes, particularly in attack for Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling championship semi-final against Kilkenny at Croke Park, 1.45pm throw-in.