Richie Hogan reckons Kilkenny are the team most likely to stop Limerick from achieving an historic five-in-a-row of All-Ireland SHC titles next year.

The recently-retired Kilkenny forward believes his own county has the most scope for improvement ahead of the new season.

"Clare were very strong and have Limerick's number, or seem to have Limerick's number. Maybe they haven't beaten them that often, but they've certainly put it up to them every single time. I think if Kilkenny can learn a little bit from that then they should be able to get over the line,” Hogan said at the 2024 GAAGO match schedule launch this week.

"A few of the guys who came in last year should improve too. Mikey Carey is back, Billy Drennan should get a bit better and get on that starting team. David Blanchfield, who was a huge loss in the All-Ireland final, will be back and hopefully bigger and stronger.

"The O'Loughlins guys are hurling particularly well. Mikey Butler and Huw Lawlor are outstanding players and will get better. Mikey Butler is still only starting out his career. I think Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen have more capacity to improve as well.”

He added: “I think if Kilkenny can keep things ticking over until they get to the latter stages, the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and then really focus on trying to get the best out of the group that they have.”

Tweet

Most Read Stories