Kilkenny's Brian Dowling reveals 'it will be hard to change' barrier to Kildare hurling

Kildare senior hurling manager and Kilkenny native, Brian Dowling is 'hoping' promotion to Division 1B of the Allianz Hurling League will draw bigger crowds in 2026 but has admitted it will be 'hard to change' football's grip on the county.

Dowling is on the cusp of history on Sunday as the 'Lilywhites' go in search of their first ever Joe McDonagh title, facing Laois in the final from 1.45pm in Croke Park. The high stakes clash is followed at 4pm by Kilkenny and Galway's Leinster Final encounter at the same venue. - HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE

"Obviously, football is the number one game in Kildare and it's going to be hard to change that but I think getting up to Division 1B next year and Kildare playing Clare and Dublin, you'd be hoping that would draw bigger crowds next year and supporters will want to come and see Kildare hurlers but also come and see the best hurlers from outside of Clare," Dowling told the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast earlier this season.

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"You're hoping that the development squads, the minors and the U20s that they're looking on and when you pick up the phone to ring lads to come in they will come in and won't say 'no'," he added.

"I've gotten a good response from players since I've been involved. David (Herity) obviously built that first of all and I'm trying to carry that on."

HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW FROM (1:38):