Favourites? Definitely. Complacent? Never.

IT is hard to believe that only a year ago, as Kilkenny were getting ready for yet another All-Ireland final questions were still being asked about Jackie Tyrell’s abilities as a corner-back.

To add to the pressure, he was captain, an honour bestowed on him by his club, James Stephens, after they had won Kilkenny and All-Ireland club honours. One year on, those doubts are no more, those questions all answered, and Jackie is one of the more established members of a Kilkenny team which is, yet again, in search of All-Ireland honours.

Faith repaid — the faith of manager Brian Cody in a youngster he would have known since the cradle, the faith of his club in its belief that he would wear with honour and assurance the mantle bestowed by them.