All Ireland champions Kilkenny begin the defence of their Leinster title this weekend against Wexford in Nowlan Park.
Oisin Langan spoke to Kilkenny's Michael Fennelly yesterday afternoon at the Electric Ireland football and hurling Minor Championship launch.
Fennelly was part of the victorious Ballyhale Shamrocks side that won the All Ireland club title on St. Patrick's Day, but has missed out on the latter stages of the league campaign with a back injury.
The Ballyhale star says that recent injuries have changed his outlook to training saying; "It's very hard to hold yourself back. You have to be smart". He played centre back in the All Ireland club final and its a role he enjoyed playing; "I loved it. It's something new. I really enjoyed it. Fennelly said that he would love to try his hand in playing for Kilkenny in that position.
The All Ireland winners have seen a lot of experience leave the dressing room, with retirements since last September. Henry Shefflin, was one of those players to retire and he feels that it will be weird not having his club mate in a Kilkenny shirt this summer, "Words cannot describe what that man can do, and what he has done for hurling."
Fennelly has been impressed by opponents Wexford recently, stating; "they had a massive year, last year". This weekend's game takes place in Nowlan Park and the five time All-Ireland winner is delighted to have the tie on home turf. "It's an excellent place, where there's a big crowd there. You want stadiums with a full house."
Listen to Oisin Langan speak to Kilkenny's Michael Fennelly on the Monday Rewind:
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