If there is a fear in Kilkenny about this match, it is because Laois have been getting uncomfortably close to them in recent years. Last year's win was just about pulled out of the bag in a finale which owed more to Laois's lack of self-belief than anything unstoppable about Kilkenny's late surge.
Yet this year doesn't appear to be right for Laois. Twelve months later, Kilkenny haven't forgotten the sense of crisis they felt on the afternoon. They also have a new manager and a sense of optimism.
Brian Cody's management has been quietly effective and on the evidence so far appears to have restored some equilibrium to DJ Carey's world. John Power is back in harness after his controversial omission last season, but the main improvement to the attack has been Henry Shefflin.
His relentless accuracy from placed balls has lifted that responsibility from Carey's shoulders and his physique has created an element of variety in the attack. Not the paciest full forward we'll see this summer but Shefflin has it within him to be one of the most effective and if a switch is needed at full forward, he is also at home on the wing. The experienced Bill Maher has a job on his hands.
Laois's defence is its strong point but the pressure on them will be severe with Shefflin and Power giving Kilkenny a more physical edge than they have had for a couple of years. Brian McEvoy is on Laois's best back, Niall Rigney, and has the doggedness to disrupt those soaring clearances.
Up front, Laois manager Padraig Horan brings in established corner back John Shortall for the vacancy at full forward. Canice Brennan, after a good year at centre back, is given the number three jersey despite having no experience of the position. Last season's incumbent Pat O'Neill has still not regained fitness and isn't named amongst the subs.
There is a belief that Kilkenny are vulnerable at the start of each season but that's assuming they're not paying attention to the opposition and at the moment signs are that they're treating Laois very seriously.
Tickets for tomorrow's double bill will be on sale today in Jones's Road, from 11.00 to 4.00 this afternoon, and at the Leinster Council offices in Portlaoise, from 10.00 to 4.00. If stocks remain, they will be on sale tomorrow from 11.30 on Jones's Road and at the New Stand.
The Teams
KILKENNY: J McGarry; T Hickey, C Brennan, W O'Connor; M Kavanagh, E Kennedy, P Barry; D Byrne, A Comerford; DJ Carey, J Power, B McEvoy; K O'Shea, H Shefflin, C Carter.
LAOIS: R Cashin; PJ Peacock, B Maher, S Dooley; N Rigney, P Cuddy, A Bergin; D Conroy, C Cuddy; Declan Rooney, Darren Rooney, D Cuddy; D Russell, AN Other, F O'Sullivan.
