Kilkenny still the benchmark, says O’Mahony

TIPPERARY centre-back Conor O’Mahony insists Kilkenny are the team to beat in the race for the 2011 All-Ireland hurling title.

Tipp defeated the Cats in a classic final last September and O’Mahony is wary of a renewed charge from the Noresiders.

The Newport man, hoping to return from illness for next Saturday’s League clash against Waterford, describes Kilkenny as hurling’s “benchmark.”