Cats show first signs of wear and tear

I’ve heard comparisons are being made between Kilkenny and the All Blacks.

There is no comparison, and it’s very unfair on Kilkenny — the All Blacks just don’t measure up. What have they achieved? One World Cup since 1987, and both of those triumphs were at home in New Zealand. Contrast that with what this Kilkenny team have achieved in the last 12 years – 11 Leinster titles, eight All-Irelands, and how many National Leagues, six? I don’t think there’s any team in any sport in the world who can compare with that record.

Another thing I’d like to mention is the coaching element of Kilkenny’s hurling. I remember as a young lad looking at the great Tipperary team of ’60s and I don’t remember anyone talking about coaching back then. The reason Tipperary were the best team of the time was that they had the best players. The reason Kilkenny are tops now is the same. People can talk about the coaching or the training or the tactics, but you must have the key ingredients on the field. Kilkenny have them in abundance.