New year, new faces - what you need to know ahead of Kilkenny's first match of 2026

There are new faces aplenty on the Kilkenny team named for the season opener of 2026 with an away trip to the Downs GAA Club to meet Westmeath in the Walsh Cup on Sunday.

Of the starting team, only the likes of Aidan Tallis, Shane Murphy, Darragh Corcoran, Killian Doyle, Luke Connellan and Gearoid Dunne have any extended senior experience as Kilkenny look to kickstart the year on a winning note.

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The game will throw in at 2.30pm, one hour later than previously advertised and it's hoped a large away support will travel to support the black and amber. - READ MORE HERE

Kilkenny team to face Westmeath- Aidan Tallis (Lisdowney); Rory Garrett (Fenians), Ivan Bolger (Graignamanagh), Conor McMahon (Erin's Own); David Barcoe (Clara), Darragh Corcoran (Shamrocks Ballyhale), Shane Murphy (Glenmore); Killian Doyle (Emeralds), Cathal Beirne (Glenmore); Luke Connellan (Thomastown), Liam Moore (Dicksboro), Michael Brennan (Erin's Own); Ed McDermott (James Stephens), Marty Murphy (Tullogher Rosbercon), Gearoid Dunne (Tullaroan).

Subs- Diarmuid Galway (Thomastown), Niall Rowe (Dicksboro), Brian Staunton (Thomastown), Shane Staunton (Clara), Paddy Langton (Young Irelands), Jeff Neary (Graigue Ballycallan), Cillian Hackett (Dicksboro), James Walsh (Kilmacow), Niall Shortall (Shamrocks Ballyhale), Brian Kavanagh (Lisdowney), Adam Croke (Mooncoin).

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