Kilkenny midfielder Michael Fennelly admits last year was a surreal experience as for once he and his Cats team-mates had to watch the All Ireland from home.
Fennelly and co will be back in an All Ireland decider again when they take on Tipperary in a few days time and he revealed how strange this time last year felt when he spoke to Off The Ball's Nathan Murphy.
"I was looking forward to a good game but obviously that's where you want to be come All Ireland final day. It was very eerie watching the game on TV. It was very surreal because for the last seven years we'd been challenging on All Ireland final day. But it was very exciting for the public and great excitement for Ireland and hurling," he said.
Fennelly also noted what last year's All Ireland champions Clare brought to the table and believes the game is changing every year.
He also feels fresh blood has helped galvanise the team with plenty of miles in their legs as they reach yet another All Ireland final.
"The miles I have put on the clock, that can't change. You try to look after your body as much as possible with recovery. But there's only so much you can do. There's only so many days in the week and you have a full-time job so it's very hard to fit in all that," said Fennelly, who admitted that he is prone to injury.
Fennelly also spoke about the major learning experience of his winter in Sydney where he did some work with Australian Rules side Sydney Swans as he finished his Masters in Sports Performance.
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