Kilkenny great Noel Hickey fears Michael Fennelly's absence from the Liam MacCarthy Cup decider could prove costly for the Cats.

It was confirmed that midfielder Fennelly will miss the showdown with the Premier County after rupturing his Achilles tendon in Saturday's semi-final replay win over Waterford.

"It's devastating for himself and would be any time of the year but especially before the All-Ireland final," former Cats full-back Hickey outlined to The Examiner.

"He has suffered enough injuries with his back and that over the last few years and from a Kilkenny view it's hard to take.

"He's a massive loss especially with Tipp in the final. There are going to be big hits and massive physicality and Mick thrives on all of that because he is so powerful.

"In the second half of the replay a couple of years ago, he took over and got things going, breaking tackles and bringing the ball forward."

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