Huw Lawlor v Conor Whelan
Lawlor has held the edge in recent meetings, most notably the Leinster final of 2022 and the round-robin clash earlier this year.
In truth, Whelan is searching for his best form this season after being taken off at Nowlan Park and finding the going very tough against Paddy Smyth in the clash with Dublin.
At Croke Park on the big stage against a Cats side weakened by a couple of injuries, this is where the Kinvara man could be at his most dangerous.
Whelan has played like a leader on some of the Tribe’s best days since making his debut in 2015, and his power and pace will need to be felt here.
Five years have passed since Galway hoisted the Bob O’Keeffe Cup, and Lawlor’s commanding of the defence could help Kilkenny claim a fourth in a row.
He has been used at six and three by Derek Lyng, and his ability win ball against the head when facing tough opponents has been hugely impressive.
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