Neil McManus: Kilkenny may need to adapt TJ Reid role

Should Kilkenny manage to topple Limerick in 2024 and land a first All-Ireland title since 2015, it is likely that TJ Reid will be a central figure.

The 36-year-old closed out 2023 with his seventh All-Star, but a second successive final defeat to the Treaty men – their fourth final loss since last climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand – was further evidence that Limerick remain the side to catch.

The perceived wisdom is that Derek Lyng's side are the best equipped to change up the new order, with the decorated Reid once again likely to be the fulcrum of their attack.

The Ballyhale man, with 13 All-Ireland senior titles between club and county, hasn’t played a single minute of the league to date, but will lead the charge for the Cats once again when the championship kicks into gear.

Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, former Antrim player Neil McManus says that curbing Reid’s instinct to track back and force a turnover could work out better for Kilkenny at the business end of the season.

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"Kilkenny have to use him differently," he said. "Last year, in the All-Ireland final, there were two or three occasions when he hunted back and turned over people, on his own 20-yard line.

"I know he loves working hard and that’s a big part of his game, but I think he should be told 'you’re not allowed in the defensive half of the field. We’re going to allow the other lads to do that for you.'

"Because he has that ball-winning ability that so many teams are after at the minute.

"That’s why Galway have