Shefflin: Cats cool despite changes

JAMES ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick was the first to walk before Christmas, Eddie Brennan followed him soon after and PJ Ryan handed in his notice just two weeks into the New Year.

Even in a Kilkenny dressing room, such a cluster of exits create a stir.

Every dynasty is born with the Achilles heel of a sell-by date and, with Michael Kavanagh said to be mulling over his inter-county future, this great Kilkenny team is slowly shedding its old skin while maintaining its quest for honours.