Kilkenny have been drawn against Kildare and Laois in the 2018 Walsh Cup group stage which commences next month.
Brian Cody's charges edged out eventual All-Ireland champions Galway to the pre-season competition title nine months ago.
There are a reduced number of teams in next year's tournament with Micheal Donoghue's Tribesmen absent along with five third level sides.
2018 Walsh Cup draw
Group 1
Wexford
Carlow
Wicklow
Group 2
Kilkenny
Kildare
Laois
Group 3
Dublin
Antrim
Meath
Group 4
Offaly
Westmeath
Dates: Dec 30, Jan 3, Jan 7. Semi-finals: Jan 14. Final: Jan 21.
Opening Fixtures: Carlow v Wicklow, Kildare v Laois, Meath v Antrim, Offaly v Westmeath.
Format: Round robin with first placed team advancing to semi-finals. Offaly and Westmeath will play each other home and away with aggregate score deciding who tops Group 4.
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