Brennan: Fitzpatrick loss a huge blow to Cats

Kilkenny legend Eddie Brennan fears that James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick may be the one player the All-Ireland champions simply cannot do without.

Brennan, 33, announced his retirement from inter-county hurling following last year’s All-Ireland final — with eight All-Ireland medals, 10 Leinster titles, four National League titles and four All Star awards.

Fellow 2011 panellists PJ Ryan, Michael Kavanagh, John Dalton and Fitzpatrick, just 27, followed suit as the Cats lost five of last year’s All-Ireland-winning squad.