Kilkenny have the pedigree to break 'hoodoo'

Kilkenny v Galway:There is a rumour going around in some hurling circles that Kilkenny don't do three in a rows - when such an opportunity arises they crumble under the yolk of expectation.

This may be so in the recent past, but the senior players on this under-21 team bring a pedigree that makes them almost an irresistible choice to break this alleged hoodoo.

Almost. The last obstacle in their way is a Galway side who will fancy getting their hands on the Cross of Cashel trophy tomorrow after seeing off Munster champions Cork en route to the final.

Consider David Collins, Niall Healy, Aonghus Callanan and Ger Mahon all step down from last week's beaten All-Ireland final team. The impact is expected to be similar to what Tommy Walsh, Conor Phelan and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick had for Kilkenny last year.

It is, however, more complicated than that. Richie Power, Eoin Larkin and John Tennyson only require the sight of a maroon jersey to whet their appetites tomorrow.

Tennyson, in particular, will be keen to curb the influence of Niall Healy after the full forward scored a hat-trick on him in the All-Ireland semi-final.

If he silences Healy, Galway will look to the likes of Callanan and Karl Wade for scores, but the future of Kilkenny hurling is waiting for them. PJ Delaney sits on the 40, while Stephen Maher or Donnacha Cody will patrol the area occupied by Wade.

Collins moved from wing back to midfield on this Galway team and, judging from his optimism immediately after the last Sunday's defeat ("I'm going to lay down the law now: We'll win it next year"), expect a huge performance from him. Ditto his opposite number, Michael Rice, who is another senior panellist along with Willie O'Dwyer and Maher.

Presuming the Kilkenny defence breaks even, Power and 'Cha' Fitzpatrick can reproduce the scoring ratios that brought a minor All-Ireland home two years ago.

Kilkenny v Galway
Gaelic Grounds, tomorrow
Throw-in 2pm
TG4