Eddie Brennan fears that 'Cha' Fitzpatrick will prove a massive loss to Kilkenny hurling.

Both men retired from intercounty hurling following last September's All-Ireland win but Brennan (33) says in an Out in Front podcast that 27-year-old Fitzpatrick's loss could prove costly to the Cats:

"No matter how strong a panel is, I think you can only suffer so many blows. And I think 'Cha', it's a huge disappointment not to have him in there.

"His form coming up to the All-Ireland was excellent. He hurls with his brain the whole time and he may be a loss to Kilkenny before the year is out.

"He's the biggest loss of all to this Kilkenny squad but the man made a decision and you have to respect that. There's no point crying over that - it moves on and it's a chance for someone else.

"There are plenty of young lads and the likes of Richie Doyle, Cillian Buckley and Aidan Fogarty have the chance to cement positions. It's a great opportunity for a new face or two to make a name for themselves this year." Tweet

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