Donal O'Grady: The League priorities for hurling's top eight

Kilkenny: Protect TJ

Throughout the NFL season, the coaches and pundits continually refer to the importance of keeping the top players of the various franchises healthy, and Kilkenny’s top priority must be to keep hurler of the year TJ Reid injury-free.

Reid is now 28, and in his prime: his height, strength and amazing skill levels on the ground and in the air pose huge challenges for any defender. He regularly and effortlessly moves back and forth between attack and defence, supporting colleagues or carrying ball and running at defenders.