'Kilkenny's underage set-up extremely healthy' - Mark Dowling hits back at criticism

Earlier this year, former defender Kieran Joyce weighed in on the narrative that Kilkenny’s underage presence isn't as strong as once had been.

CATS SHOW THEIR CLAWS: Talk of poor health of Kilkenny hurling's underage system was “built on sand”, according to the Cats' U20 manager Mark Dowling. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.

Commentary surrounding the supposed poor health of Kilkenny hurling's underage system was “built on sand”, according to the county’s U20 manager Mark Dowling.

Kilkenny will this Saturday attempt to win a second All-Ireland U20 title in four years, the 2022 success representing their sole national crown at either U20 or minor level over the past 11 years. It’s 2014 since an All-Ireland minor title last pitched up on Noreside.