Leinster SHC - Semi-final preview

Kilkenny v Offaly:The idea that pain can bring out the best in people is the one thing Offaly have going for themselves here. Relegation to Division Two of the league was clearly painful, with manager John McIntyre making it sound like the end of the world, at least as he knew it.

Some of that pain was taken out in the quarter-final, their 19-point win their biggest victory over Laois since 1969. But the feeling is Offaly were holding most of that pain back for tomorrow, where they'll clearly need all the inspiration they can muster when taking on the All-Ireland champions.

As old rivals these teams always threaten to produce the unexpected, as Offaly's All-Ireland final win of 1998 reminded us. But that remains the last time Offaly proved successful, and their six meetings since have ended in Kilkenny victories with an average margin of 14 points.

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody was present for Offaly's win over Laois, carefully observing their strengths and weaknesses, and he won't underestimate them. Offaly have the potential to test Kilkenny but it will mean peak performances from all 15.

Damien Murray is proving a reliable free-taker alongside Brian Carroll and Joe Bergin, and they've a strong half forward line built around Gary and Rory Hanniffy. It's Offaly's defence that will need to rise above the ordinary, especially full back Paul Cleary. David Franks also takes over from Brendan O'Meara at corner back.

Offaly's biggest problem is that there's simply no weakness in this Kilkenny team to try to capitalise on. On top of that Cody will have them whipped back into their ruthless best following the league defeat to Waterford. Richie Power may be ruled out with injury but Eoin Larkin is an equal replacement.

PJ Ryan takes over the goalkeeping duties from James McGarry but Kilkenny have an ominous familiarity to them - Henry Shefflin at centre forward, JJ Delaney back in place of James Ryall - and there's an ominously familiar feeling about the probable result too.

OFFALY:B Mullins; C Hernon, P Cleary, D Franks; G Oakley, B Kenny, K Brady; B Teehan, B Murphy; G Hannify, R Hannify, B Molloy; B Carroll, J Bergin, D Murray.

KILKENNY:PJ Ryan; M Kavanagh, N Hickey, J Tyrrell; T Walsh, B Hogan, JJ Delaney; D Lyng, J Fitzpatrick; W O'Dwyer, H Shefflin (capt), E Larkin; E Brennan, M Comerford, A Fogarty:

 Kilkenny v Offaly, Tomorrow, Portlaoise, 4pm (live on RTÉ2)