WALSH HAPPY CATS DID NOT COPY UNITED

TOMMY WALSH says there was a fear Kilkenny would collapse after Brian Cody walked away - like Manchester United postAlex Ferguson.

- BY KARL O'KANE

Legend Walsh says that hasn't happened though, as the Cats made it six Leinster titles in a row, including three on the bounce under new boss Derek Lyng.

However, it's now 10 years since they last brought the Liam MacCarthy Noreside, seven under Cody and two under Lyng.

"Look, what do you want out of your hurling team?" said Walsh. "You want to be competing, that every year you go out you have a chance and you hope that you're going to be the All-Ireland champions come July.

"We've seen it in Manchester United after Alex Ferguson left. Manchester United have fallen away down to 17th or 18th in the table.