Cats are eager to erase League memories

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• Michael Duignan previews the opening weekend of Allianz Hurling League action, with Tipperary much-changed for the trip to Kilkenny.

Usually, teams are quick to downplay any suggestion of revenge. But Kilkenny have been forthright in their opinion that losing last year’s league final was unacceptable by their standards.

It was difficult last spring, as Dublin rattled off point after point on their way to the Division 1 title, not to feel that Kilkenny’s dominance of the ancient game had come to an end.

They had, after all, lost the All-Ireland final to Tipperary the previous September. And as a rampant Dublin went to town, it appeared as if a new world order was in place in hurling.

But more fool us for writing off the Cats. And more fool anyone who thinks that the avalanche of retirements will have a hugely detrimental effect on Kilkenny’s fortunes this year.

Michael Kavanagh, Eddie Brennan, PJ Ryan, John Dalton and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick may have gone, but there is no shortage of young recruits to fill their boots. The trick for Brian Cody will be choosing the right recruits.

Tipperary remain the only viable successors to Kilkenny’s throne. The All-Ireland defeat was a difficult one to swallow for the Premier man, who would have hoped that their 2010 success was a portent of things to come.

Lar Corbett may have put his hurl in storage for the spring, but few truly believe that he will not be swinging in anger come May and June.

Manager Declan Ryan has made eight changes to the side that lined out on the first Sunday in September. While a win on Sunday would be nice, a few good performances to give him food for thought on the selection front would be a more productive outcome.

For Kilkenny, as always, winning is all that matters.