New names, old story for the Cats

There’s a familiar force building in hurling from an old stronghold.

Last Sunday week in Ennis, Kilkenny had a scarcely recognisable starting 15 but put the new All-Ireland champions to the pin of their collar.

On Sunday last, they hosted Tipperary in Nowlan Park, again with a host of new faces. This time, having fallen behind by 10 points with five minutes to go in the first half, they recovered in spectacular style to win by six.