Reasons to be fearful: Cats purring in their drive for five

1. Noel Hickey: Kilkenny got away without him last year simply because they were still just that bit too good for everyone else.

But a fit Noel Hickey, guarding the edge of the square as only a natural full-back can do, is a huge boost for Brian Cody and his all-conquering Cats. JJ Delaney has filled in there, Brian Hogan also, and both did reasonably well for guys whose more natural instincts are for the opens spaces further out the park, but Noel Hickey is totally at home there. That’s his place, his space, trespassers beware. There is a further advantage, of course, in that the half-back line of Tommy Walsh/Brian Hogan/JJ Delaney is now again intact which is bad news for hurling forwards everywhere.

2. The Michaels in midfield: Rice and Fennelly. Cha and Lyngers (James Fitzpatrick and Derek Lyng) are the ones most identified with Kilkenny in this crucial area over the last hugely successful half-dozen years, but as with Hickey, injury has curtailed the efforts of both at various times. So step forward Michael Rice and Michael Fennelly.