The Liam MacCarthy Cup race is wide open, according to recently retired Kilkenny star Michael Fennelly.

"It's a hell of a lot more open than it ever was," he commented to The Irish Independent at the launch of Sky Sport's 2018 championship schedule yesterday.

"I haven't seen Galway hurl at all, Tipperary are struggling in terms of full-back, corner-back, they've a few injuries as well and are struggling with confidence, so it's very open."

Under Brian Cody, Kilkenny will be there or thereabouts, he added.

"Brian's mindset is always good and it keeps lads focused on just doing their own jobs.

"It's coming together nicely."

The Cats will commence their championship campaign with a trip to Parnell Park this Sunday to take on Dublin.

"It's always a tough place to play. Any time we've played there, we've always found it difficult and Dublin always seem to perform there.

"They're not as big as they used to be, but I think our team is a lot lighter as well, a lot smaller.

"The games seem to have gotten a lot faster so you can expect a lot of that on Sunday - a lot of running with the ball and off the ball."

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