Pat Hoban is hoping Kilkenny's senior and minor teams will take inspiration from his side's victory over Cork in Saturday's All-Ireland intermediate hurling final.

Hoban had to plan without key players Paddy Hogan and Eoin Guinan due to their involvement with Brian Cody's senior squad in next Sunday's All-Ireland final, but fellow senior panellists Pat Hartley, Michael Grace and Niall Walsh did feature in the success.

"We were trying to get the players (Hogan and Guinan), but they just weren't available. My attitude was they could have been injured anyway so we just drove on. That's why we have the panel and replacements that can come in," he said.

"Pat Hartley, Michael Grace and Niall Walsh are on the extended senior panel so they've a great week ahead of them. To be fair to Brian (Cody), he does look at this grade and he has brought players through over the years. Some of the younger guys there like Paul Murphy at full back, have a great future.

"I'd love to see them stepping up and playing senior for Kilkenny. It's the first All-Ireland for the county this year and hopefully it will give momentum to the minor and seniors ahead of next week."

Hoban took added satisfaction from avenging last year's defeat to Cork.

"We're delighted to win it after losing to Cork last year," he added.

"Cork have been an Achilles heel to Kilkenny in this grade over the years. The second goal for us was the match-winner and we were in control then. To be fair to the lads, they never panicked when they conceded the goal. They just kept playing away." Tweet

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