Former Kilkenny defender Jackie Tyrrell has questioned Galway's desire to defend their All-Ireland SHC title this year.

The Tribesmen face their toughest test to date when they take on Kilkenny at Pearse Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Even though a loss to the Cats would not be the end of the world for Galway, Tyrrell feels that it will tell something about their mindset.

The nine-time All-Ireland winner is in no doubt that Galway have the players and the skill to defend their title, but he aired some caution when it came to their mental ability.

"Do I think Galway have the ability and the potential? Absolutely. But it is in their heads now," Tyrrell states in the Connacht Tribune.

"Have they the mentality and the hunger to literally drive on because they do have the ability to blow anyone out of the water. They have the physicality, hurling, speed - five goals against Offaly! They tick all the boxes.

"However, it is still relatively unknown how hungry are that Galway team because looking at them in the league, they didn't exactly strike me as a side that went after it. So you would still have to question how cut-throat and ruthless this team is."

Be sure to follow the hoganstand.com Live Match Tracker this weekend for all the latest action from the senior football and hurling championships.

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