Cats have come of age

KILKENNY’S reputation as one of hurling’s continuing dominant forces would have been dented had they not managed to beat holders Tipperary in the Guinness All-Ireland hurling semi-final three weeks ago.

Pat Henderson, who shared the distinction with younger brother Ger of being one of the outstanding centre-backs of the modern game before becoming a successful manager, wholeheartedly agrees that the public perception of the team changed for the better after this win.

"Until they won against Offaly two years ago they had certainly under- achieved.