Joey Holden admits that training against the likes of Shefflin, Fennelly and Reid has helped hone his defensive abilities.

When training with his club, the 24-year-old full back has come up against some of the very best in the business and the Ballyhale Shamrocks No.3 says it's been a real pleasure:

"Of course that has helped," the Kilkenny captain states in The Irish Times, "but I don't think you realise it, or think about it. You just try your best, and try not to think it's Henry Shefflin that you're marking. And I would also have played with Colin Fennelly the whole way up along, and that's been a massive help, marking the calibre of talent of those players.

"TJ Reid as well. His skill level is unbelievable. I couldn't even say who's been the hardest to mark, because it changes. They all bring different challenges. And the first thing you're told, in Ballyhale, is about the tradition that's gone before you. We had all the pictures up in our house."

As for his potential role with Brian Cody's team after today's Croke Park decider against Kilmallock, the Shamrocks defender says his priority is to get into the starting XV:

"I really haven't given it much thought, or the captaincy. It's all about Ballyhale for now. We're lucky in Ballyhale that we've won the county championship the few times, so we can pass it down the line a little bit. And it's very nice to get nominated.

"And of course the priority is to get a starting place. Definitely. That's the priority for every player on the Kilkenny panel. I'm no different. And of course JJ Delaney has left some very big boots to fill. I'm sure whoever gets the position will do alright a job."

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