DJ Carey: Where are the contenders to dethrone Kilkenny?

Kilkenny legend DJ Carey insists the Cats will survive without retired forward Richie Power – and criticised would-be contenders for failing to step up to the mark during a transitional period for the All-Ireland champions.

Despite losing Henry Shefflin, Tommy Walsh, JJ Delaney, Brian Hogan, Aidan Fogarty and David Herity before last year’s championship, Kilkenny still stormed to All-Ireland glory.

And Carey believes that, “by the law of averages”, the Noresiders will be even better this year as they chase down another three in a row. The five-time All-Ireland SHC medallist reflected: “Would a lot of fellas be on the team if Henry was in his prime, Jackie (Tyrrell), Tommy, JJ, Noel Hickey?