KILKENNY MANAGER BRIAN Cody has named his side for Sunday’s Leinster SHC semi-final clash with Wexford as the Cats begin their championship campaign.

The defending All Ireland champions have included 12 of the side that defeated Tipperary in last year’s replay with captain Joey Holden taking over the pivotal full-back position from retired JJ Delaney.

Glenmore forward Ger Aylward replaced the injured Richie Power while Walter Walsh comes in for John Power.

A full house is expected at Nowlan Park with only a handful of tickets remaining for a game which will be preceded by the Electric Ireland Minor semi-final between Kilkenny and Laois at noon.

As will be the case at all inter-county games this weekend, there will be a minute’s silence for the victims of the Berkeley tragedy.

Kilkenny:

1. Eoin Murphy (Glenmore)

2. Paul Murphy (Danesfort)
3. Joey Holden (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
4. Jackie Tyrrell (James Stephens)

5. Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan)
6. Kieran Joyce (Rower Inistioge)
7. Cillian Buckley (Dicksboro)

8. Michael Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
9. Conor Fogarty (Erins Own)

10. Walter Walsh (Tullogher Rosbercon)
11. Richie Hogan (Danesfort)
12. TJ Reid (Ballyhale Shamrocks)

13. Ger Aylward (Glenmore)
14. Colin Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
15. Eoin Larkin (James Stephens)

John ‘Bubbles’ O’Dwyer shakes off injury to start for Tipperary in Limerick showdown