Kilkenny Team

By Nicky English

1 PJ Ryan (Fenians)

Age: 31. Height: 5ft 9in. Weight: 12st 7lb.

Occupation: Bricklayer.

Hasn't made mistakes and looks more comfortable this season now his status has been confirmed. Shot-stopping and agility not much tested. Typical Kilkenny goalkeeper - smart in use of the ball.

2 Michael Kavanagh (St Lachtain's)

Age: 29. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 12st 5lb.

Occupation: Bank of Ireland Finance.

An outstanding hurling corner back. Considered vulnerable to pace and under the high ball, but hard evidence not plentiful. So experienced he doesn't let the corner forward get first touch.

3 Noel Hickey (Dunamaggin)

Age: 27. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 13st 7lb.

Occupation: Farmer.

Clear of injury he had an outstanding semi-final, although tomorrow will be a far greater test. Had to go off early last year, but by then Brian Begley had moved to the wing. Major leadership figure.

4 Jackie Tyrrell (James Stephens)

Age: 26. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 14st.

Occupation: Quantity Surveyor, Nolan Ryan.

Great going forward, but vulnerable if turned, though like other potential Kilkenny weaknesses this rarely happens. Not much good ball comes in to opposing corner forwards.

5 Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan)

Age: 25. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 12st 11lb.

Occupation: Bank of Ireland Finance.

Super wing back. Skied a few balls in the Leinster final, but destroyed Cork's Pa Cronin despite being appreciably shorter. Has mastered running into All-Ireland form. Physically aggressive and skilful.

6 Brian Hogan (O'Loughlin Gaels)

Age: 27. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 14st.

Occupation: Medical rep Grunenthal Pharma.

Has improved with game-time. When Kilkenny were under pressure in first half of Leinster final, he did most of their hurling. Not always nimble, but physically hard and sits in the pocket.

7 JJ Delaney (Fenians)

Age: 26. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 13st.

Occupation: Employee Tegral.

Much more suited to the wing. In great form during semi-final on Cork's hurler of the year, Ben O'Connor. Great to hook and block and defensively excellent. Re-establishing best form after injury.

8 James Fitzpatrick (Ballyhale)

Age: 23. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 11st.

Occupation: Student teacher.

One of team's well-populated genius department. Not just waiting on breaks, but wins dirty ball. Can score from 70 yards, short backswing or full swing - the guy in the yellow helmet missing isn't Cha.

9 Derek Lyng (Emeralds)

Age: 30. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st 5lb.

Occupation: GlaxoSmithKline representative.

After questions about his energy levels and even speculation about his place, he was back in form against Cork - out-running Tom Kenny. Inaccuracy his biggest problem.

10 Martin Comerford (O'Loughlin's)

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 4in. Weight: 14st.

Occupation: Employee Gypsum Industries.

Struggling with a finger injury, his touch and confidence have suffered. Over the past couple of years he's been a key player with his strength and physicality. Long way off his best in the semi-final.

11 Richie Power (Carrickshock)

Age: 22. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st.

Occupation: Sales representative Britvic.

Potentially a great player, but potential remains untapped. Suffers from being moved around so much and has a tendency to over-play the ball. Needs to improve and certainly has scope to do so.

12 Eoin Larkin (James Stephens)

Age: 24. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st.

Occupation: Soldier.

Has improved consistently over past year. Prospective Hurler of the Year given Kilkenny are favourites. Fitter and more confident, he's able to win puck-outs and his shooting has improved.

13 Eddie Brennan (G-Ballycallan)

Age: 29. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 13st.

Occupation: Garda

Playing much more in the corner, he was more of a ball-winner last year. Performing intermittently, but still getting big scores. Fast and draws fouls, but not enjoying last year's form and maybe needs the half forward involvement.

14 Henry Shefflin (Ballyhale)

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 13st 10lb.

Occupation: Bank of Ireland Finance.

After taking a while to rehabilitate from injury, he returned to outstanding best against Cork. Adds perspiration to inspiration and raises the team's tempo. Could even be getting better and may start on Ken McGrath as a statement of intent.

15 Aidan Fogarty (Emeralds)

Age: 26. Height: 6ft. Weight: 12st 7lb.

Occupation: Electronics engineer CBE.

I rate him very highly and am surprised when he doesn't start. Fast, unorthodox and hard to mark. When the corner back has the ball he works really hard at blocking and knocking back opponent. Epitomises Kilkenny, but still under-rated.