Optimistic Kilkenny name injured players on team

KILKENNY have included the ‘walking wounded’ in their team to play Cork in Sunday’s All-Ireland senior hurling championship final at Croke Park.

While it was expected Michael Kavanagh would be included at right corner back despite his hamstring injury, it came as something of a surprise last night when it emerged that Peter Barry was also carrying an injury.

The Allstar centre-back sustained a finger injury during training last week. The wound became slightly infected over the weekend and Barry spent the night in hospital receiving treatment.

The James Stephens man was back on the training ground with his colleagues last night and did not look the worse for wear after his hospital stay.

While the session was a light one, Barry and Kavanagh played a full part in it.

Kavanagh said afterwards that his hamstring still felt tight, but added it was improving all the time and he was confident of playing on Sunday.

Kilkenny named an unchanged team from that which defeated Waterford in the semi-final, although they have modified their attack.

Eddie Brennan and Henry Shefflin trade places on the half and full lines with the brilliant Shefflin down to start on the right wing and Brennan at top of the left.

Tommy Walsh, who was at left half forward in last season’s final, has been selected at right half back in place of Sean Dowling.

The other changes from last year see James Coogan taking over one of the midfield berths from Pat Mullally, and John Fitzpatrick filling the right corner forward position.

DJ Carey moves to Walsh’s left half forward berth.

Both Coogan and Fitzpatrick will be making their All-Ireland senior final debuts.