Kildare hurling manager Brian Lawlor believes there is a lot more competition for places in this year's squad.

Despite losing experienced quartet Paudie Reidy, Richie Hoban, Tony Murphy and David Harney through retirement, Lawlor is convinced that this year's panel is stronger than last year.

Speaking to the Leinster Leader, he said: "We have the best 30 hurlers available in Kildare with us now, so I am very happy with the panel.

"Last year we finished up with 26 or 27 guys so there is much more competition this year. With the likes of Leo Quinn in, Evan Dempsey in and Johnny Byrne in, the best hurlers in Kildare are now with us.

"The four guys we have lost, we'll do our best to replace them as regards fitness and hurling. But their experience was so valuable, especially when we got into the bigger games."

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