Cats boss Walsh wary of Dublin challenge

KILKENNY U21 boss Michael Walsh is expecting a stern examination of his side’s credentials when they face off in a repeat of last year’s decider against Dublin in tonight’s Bord Gáis Energy Leinster U21HC semi-final in Nowlan Park at 7.30pm.

Kilkenny cruised to victory in their quarter-final tie against Offaly a fortnight ago when they had 29 points to spare in a massive 2-31 to 0-8 success, yet Walsh is adamant that tonight’s clash will be different.

“Dublin have four or five senior players who played last Sunday, whereas we have no seniors. They’re top quality players. The barometer is we went up to Parnell Park last year in the final and it was a very good, tight game. They’re coming with a lot of that team again. Dublin won this minor championship three years ago and we realise that they have a very strong team. It’s going to be a big ask and we’ve had to prepare properly.