Kilkenny management opt for Paul Murphy to replace JJ Delaney at full back

How do you replace a legend

Brian Cody said earlier this week that Kilkenny are a team in transition after a winter that saw them lose the services of five of the most experienced and decorated hurlers of the modern era. Well you may have to take his words with a bit of salt as he has named a side still chock full of men with Celtic Crosses in their back pocket for the opening Allianz league game of 2015 against Cork on Saturday night The biggest talking point before the side was named this evening was who would would take up the mantle from the departed JJ Delaney in the full back position. Many felt Cody would look to Kieran Joyce for the role, but he has instead opted for Paul Murphy. The Danesfort man is flanked on either side by Tómas Keogh and Jackie Tyrell. The half-back line does see Joyce play at six, with Cillian Buckley named on the wing while Brian Kennedy is on the other flank. 2014 hurler of the year Richie Hogan is surprisingly named at corner forward, while Conor Fogarty and Lester Ryan make up a new look midfield. The attack also includes Walter Walsh,Padraig Walsh, Matthew Ruth, Mark Kelly and Jonjo Farrell. In total there are 42 All-Ireland medals on show in the starting 15 for the clash with the Rebels Jimmy Barry Murphy has gone with 12 of the side that started the All-Ireland semi final loss to Tipperary last August for the clash in Pairc Ui Rinn, with Damien Cahalane the only survivor form the side that started the Waterford Crystal final defeat to Limerick last month.