Nicky Englishassesses the Kilkenny team
1 PJ Ryan (Fenians, Johnstown)
Age: 33. Height: 5ft 9in. Weight: 12st 6lb.
Occupation: Student.
A match winner last season, but not playing as well this season and has had trouble under high ball against Galway and Cork. Remains an excellent shot-stopper and distributor of the ball.
2 John Dalton (Carrickshock)
Age: 25. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st 3lb.
Occupation: Regional manager, Timac.
Has served a long apprenticeship. I’d have expected him to feature sooner and in a central position, where he was such a success with WIT. Still, he’s nailed down his place but might be vulnerable to real pace.
3 Noel Hickey (Dunamaggin)
Age: 29. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 13st 6lb.
Occupation: Farmer.
As a forward, you’d have to say this is one player you’d rather not have to mark. Very aggressive and an outstanding competitor, this year he’s had a clean bill of health and is looking as dependable as ever.
4 Jackie Tyrrell (James Stephens)
Age: 28. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 14st 8lb.
Occupation: Sales representative, Glanbia.
Hugely physical, as Séamus Callanan and (Tommy Walsh!) found out. Capable of clearing 100 yards off his left. Pat Horgan’s tally in semi-final was window dressing, as Tyrrell was cutting out goals.
5 Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan)
Age: 27. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 12st.
Occupation: Bank of Ireland.
A 90 per cent day should secure another Hurler of the Year award. Outstanding and contributing all over the place in defence. Remains ultra-competitive and a joy to watch. The best wing back I’ve seen.
6 John Tennyson (Carrickshock)
Age: 25. Height: 6ft 1in. Weight: 14st.
Occupation: Sales representative.
Would possibly be recovering from knee surgery but for Henry Shefflin. Was on way to being first choice when injured in Leinster final. Blocks the centre and can hurl. Only question is over the ‘miracle’ fitness.
7 JJ Delaney (Fenians, Johnstown)
Age: 28. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 12st 4lb.
Occupation: Sales representative, Tegral.
Great to see him back in his best position and has added greatly to the defence. Uncanny ability to put up his hand and grab the ball from opponents’ fingers. The best number seven I have seen.
8 James Fitzpatrick (Ballyhale)
Age: 25. Height: 5ft 10in. Weight: 12st.
Occupation: Primary School teacher.
For one of the best hurlers on view, he’s had to fight unbelievably hard for his place. Defining feature – the ability to hit ball very long, very accurately and from very crowded positions for scores or telling passes.
9 Michael Fennelly (Ballyhale)
Age: 25. Height: 6ft 3in. Weight: 14st 7lb.
Occupation: Ulster Bank.
Started the year as third-choice, but has stormed through and the Cork performance was serious. He blew Tom Kenny away. Physically improved with a great engine and formidable hurling ability.
10 TJ Reid (Captain, Ballyhale)
Age: 22. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 13st 10lb.
Occupation: Hurley makers and student, WIT.
Has nailed down his place, but with slight reservations. He’s stronger than he was and a good ball winner, but had tendency to drift out of position and hit Hail Mary shots. Not as wasteful this season, as he’s learning.
11 Henry Shefflin (Ballyhale)
Age: 31. Height: 6ft 2in. Weight: 13st 10lb.
Occupation: Bank of Ireland Finance.
Being considered so soon after a cruciate injury illustrates his importance. Better form than last year until the injury. The embodiment of Brian Cody’s approach. Ball-winner, free-taker, outstanding striker off either side and not above grafting either.
12 Eoin Larkin (James Stephens)
Age: 26. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st.
Occupation: Soldier.
Early outings this season were pedestrian and at the start of summer he was still struggling. Much closer to ’08 form in semi-final. Great ball winner, but slight worry about uncharacteristic inaccuracy this year.
13 Eddie Brennan (Graigue-Ballycallan)
Age: 31. Height: 5ft 11in. Weight: 13st 4lb.
Occupation: Detective Garda.
Over the years Kilkenny’s assassin, getting goals and doing damage. In last year’s first half he shot points when Tipp were dominating. In 2010 has shown over- anxiety for goal and forsaken easy point opportunities.
14 Richie Power (Carrickshock)
Age: 24. Height: 6ft. Weight: 13st.
Occupation: Sales representative Bórd Gáis.
A couple of years ago I would have seen him as having a big role in any five-in-a-row. Hasn’t always delivered fully on his talent and Curran will ask awkward questions, but the demolition of Eoin Cadogan showed his potential.
15 Aidan Fogarty (Emeralds)
Age: 28. Height: 6ft. Weight: 12st.
Occupation: Electronics engineer CBE.
Very unorthodox – I haven’t seen anyone as ‘naturally’ unorthodox – and at his best almost impossible to mark, as he can catch left or right and strike comfortably off either. Works hard with limitless energy, hopping off goalkeepers and backs.
Substitutes: David Herity, Michael Kavanagh, James Ryall, Michael Rice, Derek Lyng, Martin Comerford, Richie Hogan; Paddy Hogan, Canice Hickey, Damien Fogarty, Seán Cummins, John Mulhall, Michael Grace, Eoin Guinan, Richie O'Neill, Pat Hartley, Niall Walsh, Brian Hogan, PJ Delaney.
