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2nd June 2015
05:57pm BST
How was the squad managed the overlap between senior and U21 panels?
We have four lads in the senior team so it's not too much of a drain on us when they are away on the senior panel. If anything it's a benefit to us that we have most of the lads available at all times for training. When the four lads come back they really do bring an extra intensity to training . They up the work-level and they up the mood and I think it's good we don't have too many in with Brian's senior panel.
How has the chicken and chips challenge game circuit gone?
We've played Cork and Clare and beat the two of them so we're happy enough. At the same time, Cork were missing a lot of their senior players and it was the same for Clare and we don't have that problem. It is positive but you don't take too much from that.
The U21 panel contains a number of All Ireland minor winners from last year?
It's great that we have those lads that were minor last year because they bring a winning mentality to the squad. They won Leinster and the all Ireland and that''s our aspiration for the year. The lads that have come through then a are fitter and stronger after last year and that's great for us.
Is it a failure in Kilkenny when you don't win an All-Ireland every year?
We want to be winning all the time but the fans are very supportive. Even when we went out last year in the first round it was obvious that that Wexford team was a very good team and fans put no pressure on you.
How does Kilkenny club hurling compare to the U21 championship?
U21 level in Kilkenny at club level is fierce. If you get to be a leader at U21 in your club then you're expected to progress onto the inter-county scene. It's brilliant and the club is so competitive in Kilkenny especially at the upper levels. Intermediate for us is probably as good as senior in a lot of other places and it's very hard to win. If you're doing well there then you'd hope you'd do well at county.
How are you feeling playing Dublin?
We're going to have to have a serious look at them and try and pinpoint some weaknesses and exploit them on the day and we can't wait to play them. We (Martin is studying in UL) played UCD this year and we played them down in UL and we beat them. There was a handful of them on that team. They're very fit, very strong - the same as every Dublin team. We have to cope with that on the day. You see how at senior their skill set is unbelievable this year and we expect the same in Parnell Park.
How do Kilkenny maintain the hunger to win year after year?
You have to have that hunger for the ball. Kilkenny last year they wanted every ball,every man just wanted it, and then they did the right things with the ball when they had it. We know the players that are in that senior set up and we know they are unbelievable hurlers. Last year wasn't a surprise to us. When they go out on the pitch they give their all and confidence was very high when it came to championship. The doubt was there last year from people around the county. But once there is no doubt from people within the camp then it doesn't really matter. In that tight circle and if you believe you can win and there's no doubt then you will go close to winning. That's what they built on last year and it worked.
How do you think Henry Shefflin and JJ Delaney will cope as TV pundits?
It will be weird to see them on TV and not out on the pitch. Henry is best player ever to play hurling and a lot of people look forward to see what he will have to say. JJ then is one of the best backs, if not the best of all time. People won't know what to look at.Explore more on these topics:
