Hickey returns for Kilkenny

Noel Hickey is set to make his first competitive start for Kilkenny since the 2008 All-Ireland final, after Brian Cody named the defender in his side to face Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds tomorrow.

Hickey's career has been blighted by injuries and has not lined out for the Cats since they beat Waterford in the All-Ireland final two years ago.

The inclusion of the Dunnamaggin defender in the starting line-up, is one of seven changes from the side which lost to Galway last Sunday.

Hickey comes in to the side in place of Brian Hogan at full-back, and is flanked by Damien Fogarty and PJ Delaney.

Richie O'Neill replaces PJ Ryan between the posts, with John Dalton and Paddy Hogan losing out.

Meanwhile Limerick manager Justin McCarthy has made four changes to his side, from the team which lost by a point to Offaly last weekend.

Shaun O'Riordan makes his Senior inter-county debut. The former Cork minor replaces the injured Lorcan O'Dwyer at right-half-back.

Cathal King starts on the left wing, with Nicky Quaid moving to midfield.

Brian O'Sullivan switches to centre-half-forward, with Dean Madden losing out.

Cathal Mullane replaces Tommy O'Brien at left-half-forward, while Sean Herlihy starts at right-half-forward.

Paudie McNamara moves to full-forward, with Anthony Owens dropping to the bench.

KILKENNY (SH v Limerick): R O’Neill; D Fogarty, N Hickey, PJ Delaney; T Walsh, J Tyrrell, J Tennyson; P Hartley, J Fitzpatrick; J Mulhall, D Lyng, TJ Reid; E Larkin, M Comerford, A Fogarty.

LIMERICK (SH v Kilkenny): T Flynn; D Lynch, D Kenny, S O’Neill; S O’Riordan, A Brennan, C King; N Quaid, P Browne; S Herlihy, B O’Sullivan, C Mullane; G Mulcahy, P McNamara, R McKeogh.