Laser Eye Surgery Sees Kilkenny Cats Star Return

Noel Hickey and Henry Shefflin are expected to make their long-awaited comebacks for Kilkenny in Sunday’s, (23rd April 2006), NHL semi-final against Tipperary.

Hickey hasn’t played for the Cats since being diagnosed with a heart condition during last year’s championship. His return was further delayed when he had laser eye surgery over the Christmas period. Shefflin, meanwhile, has recovered from a groin problem which has sidelined him to date this year.

Hickey’s expected return to the full back position is welcomed by JJ Delaney, the brilliant half back who has deputised on the edge of the square in the Dunnamaggin man’s absence.

“I’ve played at full back with the club (Fenians) for the last couple of years, so it’s not like I’ve been thrown in at the deep end or anything, but I’ll be glad to see Noel back,” Delaney said.

“If you drop the ball in the half back line it’s not the be-all and end-all, you can always blame the lads behind you for a goal going in, but not at full back,” he joked.

“It’s a different game completely, there’s a lot more ball coming directly into you. At half back, a game could by-pass you completely, especially if they’re pucking it over your head.”

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