Westmeath unchanged for Cats test

Westmeath manager Seamus Qualter has named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's Leinster SHC semi-final against reigning champions Kilkenny (Cusack Park, throw-in 7pm).

The Lake County outfit saw off Dublin by two points in last month's quarter-final and are bidding to reach the Leinster final for the first time since 1937.

Qualter has the benefit of a fully-fit panel for the David versus Goliath battle in Mullingar.

Experienced corner forward Barry Kennedy, who has been fighting off a groin injury, is fit and will wear the number 13 jersey.

Greg Gavin, who was replaced early on in the quarter-final, retains his place at right half-forward.

Qualter will be banking on another solid performance from free-taker Andrew Mitchell. The Clonkill clubman shot eight points against the Dubs.

Saturday's clash is the 12th championship meeting between the sides - Kilkenny have yet to be beaten.

They last crossed swords in 1989 when Kilkenny ran out 4-29 to 3-05 winners with Adrian Ronan (1-10) and Christy Heffernan (2-01) top-scoring.

Current Cats boss Brian Cody lined out twice against Westmeath in the championship in both 1976 and 1982.

WESTMEATH (SHC v Kilkenny) - M Briody; C Jordan, C Murtagh, P Greville; J Shaw (capt), D McCormack, N Gavin; B Connaughton, E Loughlin; G Gavin, B Murtagh, A Mitchell; B Kennedy, D McNicholas, J Clarke.