Michael Kavanagh believes Kilkenny are experienced enough to deal with the hype surrounding the county's bid for a three-in-a-row of All-Ireland hurling titles which is now within touching distance. And the St. Lachtain's corner back, who will be appearing in his ninth All-Ireland final, is hoping the bitter memories of 2004, when Cork emphatically denied them a hat-trick of wins following the successes in 2002 and 2003, will inspire them to victory over either Tipperary or Waterford on September 7. He said: "In 2004, we went the backdoor route and by the time we got to the final it didn't help us, we were a tired team. I think we are a fresher team this year. We've had no quarter-final this season and showed good form on Sunday. If we can carry that into the final, hopefully we can do the business and finish it off. "It'll be hard to see another three-in-a-row attempt for a couple of years anyway. The likes of Eddie Brennan, James McGarry, Henry (Shefflin) and others are around a long time. "Realistically, we mightn't get another shot at a three-in-a-row so we'd better make the most if this one." Kavanagh insisted that his appetite for success remains as great as ever. "I'm going into my ninth final now. The final is where every player wants to be with the build-up and the whole thing around the county. Every player starting off wants to be here. We're no different. There is a buzz and training will be good now for the next few weeks." Tweet

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