Fennelly hopeful Fitzpatrick and Dalton will return

Kilkenny midfielder Michael Fennelly suspects retired stars James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick and John Dalton will return to inter-county hurling in the future.

Fitzpatrick, 27, and Dalton, 26, have called time on their careers in black and amber, with Fitzpatrick citing frustration at a lack of game time for his decision, while Dalton opted out due to work commitments.

2011 Hurler of the Year Fennelly believes both players will be massive losses to the reigning All-Ireland champions and admitted Dalton’s decision to quit last week came as a major shock to the rest of the panel members.