Farrell: Double-winning Cats up for a fight again

Kilkenny star Shelly Farrell is determined to ensure the Cats do not become one-hit wonders as they launch their bid for back-to-back National League and All-Ireland titles.

The Cats did the double last year, with their September final win over three-in-a-row chasing Cork marking Kilkenny’s first senior crown in 22 years.

Prior to that win, they had lost three finals in the space of seven years, but the return of 1994 All-Ireland-winning captain Ann Downey as manager inspired them to a famous victory over a Cork side that had been something of a bogey team for the Cats.