James Fitzpatrick will take over from his Ballyhale Shamrocks clubmate Henry Shefflin as captain of All-Ireland senior hurling champions Kilkenny for the coming season.

Fitzpatrick has been nominated by the Shamrocks to lead

Kilkenny in their quest for a third successive crown, in line with a club rotation policy.

He said: "It is hard to express how much of an honour this is and I am very lucky to have it. Not having been able to play because of an injury in last year's county final, I'm all the more grateful for what my team-mates achieved."

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody produced a masterstroke in 2006 when Fitzpatrick was moved to midfield from attack and finished the season as an All Star and Young Hurler of the Year. Fitzpatrick collected a second All-Ireland senior medal and another All Star award last year.

He is currently working his way back to full fitness after suffering a double metatarsal break last October.

The camogie association have announced that the junior and senior All-Ireland finals will take place in Croke Park on September 14th, along with the under-21 hurling All-Ireland final. The triple header was a huge success last year attracting a crowd of over 35,000.