Kilkenny not too far off the pace, says Holden

Three years now since Liam MacCarthy last wintered in Noreside but Joey Holden insists Kilkenny remain within touching distance of those seeking to provide a home for hurling’s Holy Grail.

Brian Cody has never had to wait this long to claim the ultimate honour in a management stint stretching back to 1998 but Holden wasn’t aware of that little nugget when asked to put his finger on where exactly it is that they sit in the grand scheme of things.