Write Cats off at your peril

WELL, that will teach me for not having faith in Kilkenny! Brian Cody’s team were hugely impressive throughout the Allianz League, growing with every game. And it was simple what Kilkenny have done. They have put their four best players in the four key positions – 3, 6, 11 and 14 – and built a team around that. It is like something that you would do at Under 14 level.

But that shouldn’t take away from their performance, especially in the second half. Their workrate was something you would associate with the best of Cody’s sides.

Of course, the other story in the League final was Tipperary’s complete collapse. They have problems at the heart of their defence, their half-forward line went missing and there was mental fraility to them when Kilkenny took the battle to them. A lot to work on for Tipp ahead of the summer.