Kelly backs Cats to overcome lack of competition

TIPPERARY’S Eoin Kelly doesn’t believe that Kilkenny’s relative lack of competition this summer will count against them when they face a battle-hardened Limerick side in next month’s All-Ireland hurling final.

Limerick’s unexpected odyssey began with the three-game saga against Kelly’s own Tipp side back in early June and Richie Bennis’ side have taken part in three more hard-fought encounters since then.

Kilkenny’s season has been far more sedate with the quarter-final against Galway the only occasion they were pushed out of the comfort zone.