Hickey’s inter-county return ‘a big boost’, says Cha

KILKENNY midfielder James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick has described experienced defender Noel Hickey’s return to intercounty hurling as ‘a big boost’ after the Dunamaggin defender played his first competitive game since the 2008 All-Ireland SHC final in Sunday’s NHL Division 1 win over Limerick.

Hickey was plagued with knee and groin injuries that forced him to sit out last year’s championship, but Fitzpatrick has welcomed his return.

“Noel is eager to get going and it’s a big boost to have him back. He’s as fit as anyone here at the moment. He’s a tough lad to mark, is as fresh as ever and I’m sure we’re going to see a lot of him in the coming year.”