Three Kilkenny changes as keeper Murphy returns

One change had been expected, but Brian Cody last night made three for tomorrow’s All-Ireland final from the side that started against Limerick.

It had been widely anticipated that Richie Power would take the place of Mark Kelly, having impressed when coming on in the semi-final.

However, Eoin Murphy’s recall to goal in the place of David Herity is something of a surprise, as is Walter Walsh taking Padraic Walsh’s spot in the forward line. The younger brother of Tommy had started every game this summer.

Henry Shefflin replaced Kelly last day but the 10th All-Ireland medal chasing star is kept in reserve, as is Tommy Walsh.

Murphy had been first-choice goalkeeper until the Leinster semi-final replay over Galway when he incurred an elbow injury. Walter Walsh started the Leinster final against Dublin but was dropped for the All-Ireland semi-final. Captain Lester Ryan is among the substitutes, just as Michael Fennelly was as skipper in 2009.

For Tipperary, who named their side on Thursday night, Michael Cahill is understood to be fully fit and is expected to be named on the bench, although there is speculation he might be a late change to the team. The Thurles Sarsfield defender trained behind closed doors on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in what must surely be a first, Kilkenny and Tipperary yesterday returned stand tickets for the final. They were made available on the official GAA website and sold quickly. There was also reports of Hill 16 tickets being available on the GAA’s ticket partner website tickets.ie, while there were also some on sale in the Gaelic Grounds yesterday afternoon.

However, Kilkenny County Board last night revealed they had only returned two tickets, which were restricted viewing in the corner of the Upper Hogan and Davin Stand where the big screen is located.