Cody welcomes back key players ahead of Galway clash

Kilkenny manager Brian Cody will have his strongest hand yet at his disposal when Galway visit Nowlan Park for their Leinster SHC clash on Sunday.

Centre-back Cillian Buckley is back in contention after he came through the full 60 minutes for Dicksboro. He hasn't lined out for the Cats since last year's All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to eventual Liam MacCarthy winners Limerick due to a knee injury, but he is tipped to be part of the squad for this weekend's clash after it was initially feared he'd miss all of the Leinster Championship.

Fellow injury victim James Maher might have to wait before returning to action with the county side, while Richie Hogan will feature. Conor Delaney is edging back towards full fitness, while Joey Holden is also back in contention.

However, his club-mate Colin Fennelly sat out Ballyhale's last match and is believed to be a doubt for the visit of Galway with hamstring trouble, while All-Star goalkeeper Eoin Murphy is not expected to play any part in the Leinster Championship as he continues to recover from a damaged bone in his knee.