Kilkenny likely to be without Power for Championship opener

Defending All-Ireland Champions Kilkenny are likely to be missing marquee forward Richie Power against Wexford on Sunday.

The Carrickshock marksman struggled throughout last summer with a knee injury before returning to star for the Cats in their triumph over Tipperary in the All-Ireland final.

Brian Cody has never hesitated to introduce fresh blood and there will be a new look to his team following the retirements of Henry Shefflin and JJ Delaney.

The hurling championship really takes off this weekend with the Leinster clash followed by the meeting of Tipperary and Limerick in the Gaelic Grounds.

The clash in Munster promises to be a fascinating contest with Limerick impressing in their first round victory over neighbours Clare.

Tipperary boss Eamon O’Shea has a number of injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s crucial tie.

John ‘Bubbles’ O'Dwyer remains the biggest worry following an ankle injury picked up at Carlton House over the weekend but the Tipperary camp remain optimistic.

Speaking to Tipp FM last night, Eamon O’Shea said: “We’ll know more about the injuries tomorrow night. At the moment John Meagher is the only one ruled out.”