Kilkenny legend Tommy Walsh joined OTB AM earlier this week to give his take on the current state of the main contenders for this season's All-Ireland.

Speaking to Ger and Eoin on Thursday, he said: "I think, as regards young teams coming with promise, that we don't know a lot about, I think this is the most exciting Limerick team we've seen in a good number of years. 

"We saw them last year - I was so impressed. I suppose I love the traditional centre-back - the way they catch the ball and clear it - all game long. Kyle Hayes, I can't wait to see him this year. He was a brilliant player for Limerick last year in the under-21.

"And again, because they're Division 1A - I don't know how he's going this year. I haven't heard or seen much about him. 

"You have their free-taker Gillane, I think you mentioned him earlier on - all great Championship teams have had brilliant free-takers. 

"The day is gone I suppose when in the early 2000's, probably '90s - if you were a 'seven out of ten'. free-taker - you were a brilliant free-taker. Now, with the way the ball is - and the time that's put into the game now - a 'nine out of ten' free-taker is what you need now and Gillane seems to be that guy. 

"I always thought the best teams - their free-taker mightn't be playing well but you look at his name after the game is over: 1-7, 1-9, 2-5 and you mightn't have even noticed him much during the game and with Gillane - Limerick have a player like that now. 

"So for me, they're down in Division 1A too long. It's time for them to get hurling with the top 6 counties in Ireland and really drive on.

Full interview is available here: