Walsh to wise up Cats’ defence

THE selection of Tommy Walsh at wing-back on the Kilkenny team which defends their All-Ireland U-21 hurling title against Galway is interesting as he lined out at midfield in last year’s win over the same opposition in the final.

However, team manager Martin Fogarty says they had him earmarked for defence “before the seniors”.

Apart from the fact that the Tullaroan star has always been viewed as a defender, Fogarty admits it was really a case of necessity to pick him in the backline.

“We lost all our backs from last year. One way or another at the start of the year we had Tommy penciled in for defence, to add a bit of experience to it one way or another,’’ he said.

Kilkenny qualified for the semi-final by beating Wexford in the Leinster decider by a margin of 11 points in Wexford Park, a venue where they had not been previously successful.

However, in the interim period, training has been interrupted by clashes with the preparations of both the senior and intermediate teams and the county championships.

“But, it’s not as bad as last year. We have only three seniors this time. Last year we had eight in the panel.

“We had four players on the intermediate team which played Cork last Sunday. Coming out of two rounds of the local championships also knocked us back a bit. You’re always going to have disruptions.’’

Kilkenny can call on goalkeeper David Herity from the Dunamaggin club and six others who started in last year’s final in Thurles, while Galway have seven of their starting line-up, in addition to several others who were substitutes.

Fogarty agrees that it’s hard to judge how good Galway will be.

“I’d say that last year we caught them on the hop. Conor Phelan got a goal for us after half time which was vital. I don’t think Galway got out of the blocks. We got going early and settled before they did. They never got to play to their potential.’’

This time he feels Galway could benefit from having a “a clear run,” since their seniors were knocked out of the championship a month ago by Kilkenny.

“I would imagine that they have had their squad together fairly well, without interruption and that helps a lot. We find here that if you can get the full squad in for, say, six nights you can get a lot of work done. But when you’re missing lads, you’re chopping around.

“But that’s not making excuses. I feel, if our lads can put it in on the day, we’re going to be hard to beat. I also realise Galway will be coming out with all guns blazing. It will be tight.’’