Walsh Kilkenny's only change

Tommy Walsh will start for Kilkenny when they battle it out with Dublin in tomorrow's Leinster SHC final at Croke Park (throw-in 4pm).

The eight-time All-Star returns at right half-back, having been sidelined for the Cats since damaging the AC joint in his left shoulder against Waterford in March.

He aggravated the injury playing club hurling for Tullaroan, but has worked his way back to full fitness as Kilkenny bid for their 13th provincial crown in 14 seasons.

Newcomer Paddy Hogan is the player to make way in the only change to the team that overcame Wexford last time out.

Recent SHC debutants, goalkeeper David Herity, corner back Paul Murphy and corner forward Colin Fennelly, have retained their places in the starting line-up.

Murphy will start despite having to get stitches for a thumb injury in recent weeks. He sustained the injury when his hand got tangled up in the face guard of a helmet.

The bench options includes four former All-Stars in PJ Ryan, Michael Kavanagh, James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick and Eddie Brennan.

Brian Cody's men have yet to beat Dublin in 2011, following a draw in the Allianz Hurling League and two defeats in the Walsh Cup and Division 1 finals.

The counties' most recent Championship meeting came at the semi-final stage of last year's Leinster Championship when Kilkenny posted a 4-19 to 0-12 victory. Henry Shefflin (0-12), Aidan Fogarty (2-0), Eddie Brennan (1-1) and Richie Power (1-0) were the Cats' top scorers that day.

Previewing tomorrow's encounter, Cody said: "We don't really know where we are at this moment in time, but we will after Sunday's game. This is a huge game for us.

"We opened well against Wexford, but we know we will have to step up considerably on that form facing Dublin.

"Dublin were good winners of the league, not just the final when the learned how lethal they could be. Their form and results so far this season would be better than ours, but we are ready. I know our players will perform."

KILKENNY (SHC v Dublin): David Herity; Noel Hickey, JJ Delaney, Jackie Tyrrell; Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan (capt), Paul Murphy; Michael Fennelly, Michael Rice; TJ Reid, Richie Power, Eoin Larkin; Colin Fennelly, Henry Shefflin, Richie Hogan.

Subs: PJ Ryan, Michael Kavanagh, John Dalton, Paddy Hogan, James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, Eddie Brennan, Conor Fogarty, Kieran Joyce, Richie Doyle, John Mulhall, Mathew Ruth,