New Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng has named a strong starting line-up for his first game in charge on Sunday afternoon with his side taking on Offaly in the opening round of the Walsh Cup.
St Lachtain’s shot-stopper Darren Brennan is the starting goalkeeper, while Niall Rowe and Niall Mullins are either side of regular full-back Huw Lawlor.
The experienced Cillian Buckley will captain the side at centre-back.
See also: Offaly name team for Walsh Cup clash with Kilkenny
O’Loughlin Gaels’ Conor Heary and 2022 intermediate county championship winner with Danesfort Des Dunne make up the remainder of the back-line.
David Blanchfield and Peter McDonald are the chosen midfield pair.
The half-forward line is made up of three members of the panel in previous years as Billy Ryan, John Donnelly and Paddy Deegan all start.
An U20 All-Ireland winner with Lyng’s side last year, Galmoy’s Billy Drennan makes his senior debut at full-forward with Niall Brassil and Ian Byrne in the corners.
The game throws-in at 2pm in John Locke Park, Callan.
If you can’t get to the game, KCLR is the only place where you can hear full live commentaries of all of Kilkenny’s Walsh Cup, Allianz National Hurling League, Leinster championship and All-Ireland series games in 2023.
Kilkenny team to face Offaly:
1. Darren Brennan – St Lachtain’s
2. Niall Rowe – Dicksboro
3. Huw Lawlor – O’Loughlin Gaels
4. Niall Mullins – James Stephens
5. Conor Heary – O’Loughlin Gaels
6. Cillian Buckley – Dicksboro (Captain)
7. Des Dunne – Danesfort
8. David Blanchfield – Bennettsbridge
9. Peter McDonald – Thomastown
10. Billy Ryan – Graigue Ballycallan
11. John Donnelly – Thomastown
12. Paddy Deegan – O’Loughlin Gaels
13. Ian Byrne – Glenmore
14. Billy Drennan – Galmoy
15. Niall Brassil – James Stephens
Substitutes:
16. Aidan Tallis – Lisdowney
17. Padraic Moylan – Dicksboro
18. Padraig Walsh – Tullaroan
19. Evan Cody – Dicksboro
20. Niall Brennan – Lisdowney
21. Tom Phelan – Conahy Shamrocks
22. Walter Walsh – Tullogher Rosbercon
23. Alan Murphy – Glenmore
24. Bill Sheehan – Dicksboro
25. Paul Cody – Clara
26. Colum Prendiville – Graigue Ballycallan
