Five-time All-Ireland winner steps away from Kilkenny panel for 2021

In yet another blow for the Cats heading into the 2021 season, captain Colin Fennelly has decided to take a year away from Kilkenny hurling panel.

The 31-year old Ballyhale Shamrock’s star is understood to have told manager Brian Cody in recent days.

It is expected that the five-time All-Ireland winner will return to the fold in 2022.

A tweet from his Ballyhale Shamrocks late last night confirmed his departure from the panel, when they said: “The best of luck to Colin Fennelly during his year out.”

Fennelly is the third high profile player who will not be available to Brian Cody for the coming season, following the retirements last week four-time All-Ireland winner Paul Murphy and Ger Alyward.