Three changes for Cats

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has been forced to make three changes to his side for tomorrow evening's Leinster SHC semi-final against Westmeath at Cusack Park (throw-in 7.00pm).

2003 All-Star Noel Hickey is out with a hamstring injury, while Richie Power and Aidan Fogarty are also out of contention with leg injuries.

Donnacha Cody, the son of the Kilkenny boss, takes Hickey's place at left corner back. Willie O'Dwyer, used as a substitute in April's NHL Division One final, gets the nod for Power's right half-forward berth, while Eoin McCormack comes in at the top of the right for Fogarty.

Kilkenny will be hoping to annex their 63rd Leinster title over the course of the next three weeks - the final has been set for July 2.

Quoted as 1/950 favourites by Paddy Power bookmakers to beat Westmeath, the Cats have appeared in eight Leinster finals in the last nine years. They missed out in 2004 when Wexford beat them at the semi-final stage.

KILLKENNY (SHC v Westmeath): J McGarry; M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, D Cody; J Tyrrell (capt), J Tennyson, T Walsh; D Lyng, R Mullally; W O'Dwyer, M Comeford, E Larkin; E McCormack, H Shefflin, J Fitzpatrick.