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Allianz League talking points

The Kilkenny team before the Allianz Hurling League Final at Nowlan Park on Sunday.

The Kilkenny team before the Allianz Hurling League Final at Nowlan Park on Sunday.

By Cian O'Connell

Kilkenny's new kids on the block deliver

The current Kilkenny unavailable list is sprinkled with marquee names: Paul Murphy, Richie Hogan, and Colin Fennelly.

Three decorated players, who have starred in several of Brian Cody's triumphant teams. While they are all expected to return for the Championship those afforded an opportunity to shine in the Allianz League have contributed.

Inevitably TJ Reid and Walter Walsh summoned what was required in attack, while Eoin Murphy protected the goals with trademark diligence. Padraig Walsh and Cillian Buckley's influence shouldn't be underestimated, but the emergence of a new wave of talent offers ample encouragement.

Paddy Deegan was immense; Martin Keoghan and John Donnelly always relevant; Richie Leahy was busy. A string of of other promising players were exposed to serious action in the spring.

Significant improvements were made as the competition progressed. "That should be the nature of things as well," Cody says. "The year is moving on. I know the weather hasn't been good, it hasn't been terrific hurling weather.

"But I mean bright evenings are there as well. You can do a certain amount - even though pitches have been getting a tough time of it.

"But it's the nature of teams. If we played Tipperary next Sunday, could you predict a winner? You couldn't. That's the way it works. We have improved as it went along, but have we to improve further before we get to the first game of the Championship? We have to improve a lot." That is a sobering thought for the rest of the Liam MacCarthy Cup contenders.

TJ Reid's class

The scores and statistics matter deeply. Ultimately, though, TJ Reid's skill and sheer significance to Kilkenny was captured at Nowlan Park.

Another efficient 0-15 haul brought Reid's 2018 Allianz League tally to 1-81. Jason Forde ended the spring with 7-72 for Tipperary, two wonderfully in form players.

Reid showed leadership and ability when Kilkenny were ailing in the opening period. Three points from play and a sweet sideline cut were flashed over.

One of the efforts when Reid somehow made a fetch in a densely populated sector before rifling over a gorgeous shot is a moment that will linger long in the memory.

"He's been very, very good but again I have to emphasise the importance of everybody, because if we were weak or we lacked a small bit of effort in any position and everything doesn't go for every player, the ball didn't go for everybody, but it's a question of what you do, how hard you work, and what you're doing for your team and your teammates," Cody remarked.

"And again, some of the younger players who have come in without experience have applied themselves terrifically."

Kilkenny captain Cillian Buckley with the Allianz Hurling League trophy at Nowlan Park.

Kilkenny captain Cillian Buckley with the Allianz Hurling League trophy at Nowlan Park.

Tipperary's recent League Final record

Tipperary remain the county with the most League titles, but the fact that they haven't prevailed since 2008 is a worry.

Tipperary have suffered defeats in the decider in 2009, 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2018. Kilkenny have claimed wins in four of those encounters and on Sunday the striped team were primed for a battle, especially in the second period.

Tipperary manager Michael Ryan acknowledged Kilkenny's industry and intensity. "We didn't get to the level, we simply didn't get to the level and I was concerned from the off," Ryan commented.

"This was not what we wanted to bring to Kilkenny. Any part of the first half I wouldn't have been happy with either.

"I just thought we were a little bit slow, a little bit lethargic - you can't come down and expect to get a result with that kind of performance, it has to be of the highest level."

There was grit exhibited by Padraic Maher, Willie Connors battled admirably, while Jason Forde and John McGrath flickered in attack.

A string of proven players are due back ahead of what promises to be a fascinating Munster Championship opener against Limerick at the Gaelic Grounds next month.

Short transitional period

It is a dreaded phase for any team: the transitional spell. Kilkenny outfits are always judged by the highest standards, it is part and parcel of wearing the black and amber jersey.

Following the 2015 All Ireland victory, Kilkenny lost to Tipperary in the 2016 September Final before exiting the Championship early last year.

Defeats to a rejuvenated Wexford and Waterford certainly hurt Kilkenny to the core, but the response has been defiant and dynamic.

Even in the early rounds of the 2018 League Cork and Clare overcame Kilkenny, but there had been enough to suggest that the youngsters could survive and thrive.

Gradually the Kilkenny team improved stitching a six match winning sequence together. That it was achieved with a cocktail of established and new hurlers merely added to the sense of satisfaction.

Unsurprisingly Kilkenny supporters invaded the Nowlan Park turf to acclaim a new and emerging group, who will be further boosted by the return of some influential figures soon.

The transition talk is over. Not that it lasted too long in Kilkenny.