Brennan to start for Cats

2003 All-Star Eddie Brennan will start for Kilkenny in tomorrow's NHL Division 1B clash with Laois at Nowlan Park (throw-in 2.30pm), having come off the bench during last week's Walsh Cup final triumph.

Brian Cody's Cats had six points to spare over Wexford as they retained the Walsh Cup, and they set out to claim their fourth National League title in five seasons with a blend of youth and experience.

Cody has made four changes to last Sunday's line-up. PJ Ryan loses out to Richie O'Neill in goal. Richie Mullally switches to right half-back, with his midfield place going to Peter Cleere. Michael Fennelly is squeezed out.

There are two alterations in attack - Brennan takes over from Eoin Reid in the half-forwards, while Richie Power mans the full-forward role, with Derek Lyng benched and Austin Murphy, an Under-21 last season, getting a chance on the "40."

Henry Shefflin and Martin Comerford will both miss the league start due to groin injuries.

KILKENNY (NHL v Laois): Richie O Neill; John Dalton, JJ Delaney, Stephen Maher; Richie Mullally, John Tennyson, Tommy Walsh; Michael Kavanagh, Peter Cleere; Michael Rice, Austin Murphy, Eddie Brennan; James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, Richie Power, Aidan Fogarty.