Kilkeny name experienced side for league opener with Clare
Derek Lyng's team kick off their campaign in Ennis on Sunday
There's a familiar look to the Kilkenny team for this Sunday's fixture against Clare in the opening round of the Allianz Hurling League.
The starting 15 shows just the one league debutant with Kerry exile Fionan Mackessy set for his first competitive outing in the black and amber after being named in the half back line.
Newly appointed vice-captain Peter McDonald will captain the side with clubmate John Donnelly still recovering from a finger injury as he takes his place in midfield alongside Jordan Molloy.
Elsewhere there are further chances for the likes of Aidan Tallis, Shane Murphy and Billy Drennan to impress for what has traditionally been a very difficult fixture for the Noresiders.
In total, there is nine of the team that played the Banner County in last year's All-Ireland Semi-Final as Kilkenny look to make a winning start to a Division 1A campaign that will see them play six games in seven weeks.
The match takes place in Cusack Park and has a 2pm throw-in.
Kilkenny team to face Clare- Aidan Tallis (Lisdowney); Mikey Butler (O'Loughlin Gaels), Huw Lawlor (O'Loughlin Gaels), Shane Murphy (Glenmore); Mikey Carey (Young Irelands), David Blanchfield (Glenmore), Fionan Mackessey (O'Loughlin Gaels); Peter McDonald (Thomastown), Jordan Molloy (O'Loughlin Gaels); Martin Keoghan (Tullaroan), Adrian Mullen (Shamrocks), Paddy Deegan (O'Loughlin Gaels); Billy Drennan (Galmoy), Eoin Cody (Shamrocks), Billy Ryan (Graigue Ballycallan)
Subs- Dean Mason (Shamrocks), Padraic Moylan (Dicksboro), Peter Connellan (Thomastown), Shane Staunton (Clara), Zach Bay Hammond (Thomastown), Killian Doyle (Emeralds), Luke Hogan (O'Loughlin Gaels), Luke Connellan (Thomastown), Gearoid Dunne (Tullaroan), Cian Kenny (James Stephens), Marty Murphy (Tullogher Rosbercon).