Tyrrell to captain Cats

County champions James Stephens have nominated Jackie Tyrrell as captain of the Kilkenny senior hurlers for the 2006 season.

As reigning champions, Tyrrell's club had the honour of nominating a successor to 2005 skipper Peter Barry. Defender Tyrrell has been a member of the Kilkenny panel since 2003 and lined out at left corner back in the Cats' 2005 NHL Division 1 final win.

The 25-year-old, a quantity surveyor by profession, stepped in as skipper when Barry was injured during last year's league campaign. He also captained the Kilkenny Under-21s to All-Ireland glory in 2003.

Tyrrell is one of four James Stephens players - Eoin Larkin, Eoin McCormack and Donncha Cody being the others - who have rejoined the Kilkenny panel this week after playing in the recent All-Ireland club hurling semi-final.

Cats boss Brian Cody will finalise his side for Sunday's NHL Division 1B clash with Tipperary tomorrow. Groin injury victims Henry Shefflin and Martin Comerford remain sidelined.