Kilkenny Hurling

Kilkenny hurling is in rebuild mode after a shock Leinster SHC opening-round defeat to Galway left the defending champions facing serious questions, but the Cats hit back emphatically with five goals against Wexford to get their campaign back on track. Brian Cody's side now faces a crucial clash with the Model men at home, where nothing short of victory will restore confidence and keep their provincial ambitions alive. Michelle Quilty's camogie outfit offers a silver lining, with the Kilkenny minor team hoping to channel the magic that delivered back-to-back All-Ireland triumphs and create their own slice of history. After a disappointing spring in the league, this is the real business—and Kilkenny need to prove they're still the force that won last year's title.