Young Kilkenny star Adrian Mullen overcomes fitness doubts to start All-Ireland final

Adrian Mullen is set to miss the All-Ireland final. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Michael Verney

August 18 2019 09:48 AM

Kilkenny forward Adrian Mullen will start the All-Ireland final despite concerns over his fitness ahead of the clash with Tipperary.

It is believed that Mullen was hospitalised in recent days with the nature of illness still unclear, and it was uncertain whether he would play any part for the Cats in today's eagerly-anticipated decider.

Had Mullen missed out, it would have been a major setback for Cody as the 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar debut season and established himself as one of the most important players in the Kilkenny attack.

Odds-on favourite to be crowned Young Hurler of the Year, Mullen won All-Ireland club honours with Ballyhale Shamrocks in March before being crowned Club Player of the Year.

Mullen has been one of the key men for Kilkenny in the latter half of the campaign. The young forward was hooked before half time by Brian Cody in the narrow Leinster round robin loss to Galway but bounced back to play an instrumental role in the upset win over Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Mullen hit four points from play, which moved him into odds of 1/10 to collect the Young Hurler of the Year award later this year.