Christy O'Connor: Kilkenny finally end search for a settled midfield pairing

Although more recognised as a forward with Kilkenny, Kenny’s presence at midfield last season was a constant for the county. He has now been joined there by Jordan Molloy. 

The more Cian Kenny and Joran Molloy are on the ball, the greater Kilkenny’s chances against Tipperary in Sunday's All-Ireland semi-final. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

When Cian Kenny appeared on the Kilkenny People Sport podcast last September, much of the discussion centred around his disappointment at Kilkenny’s defeat to Clare in the All-Ireland semi-final.

“That game still haunts us,” said Kenny. “It’s a game that I’d say will live with us for the rest of our lives.” Kenny was still one of the few Kilkenny players who performed well that afternoon. He was Kilkenny’s most consistent player in the 2024 championship. When the All-Star team was announced in October, Kenny was one the tiny handful of players deemed unlucky not to win an award.