Former Kilkenny manager Brian Dowling acknowledges that Kilkenny are in transition and no longer strike fear into opponents like Dublin, however he also feels they have a core group developing that will step up for years to come.
"There are a couple of players there now that have been there a long time, they might be considering their future," he told RTÉ's Camogie Extra Podcast after the Cats' surprise All-Ireland quarter-final loss to the Dubs.
"There is a good crop there. The word transition has been used a lot, there are a lot of new girls coming through.
"I suppose they have to move away now from the likes of Claire Phelan, Denise Gaule, and these type of players, and these other girls have to step up now.
"For years there it was Kilkenny, Cork and Galway as the top three and you can see that is changing now. The fear factor is gone. The likes of Waterford, Tipp, Dublin, they don't fear Kilkenny anymore."
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Both guests believe Dublin need to alter their tactics in the upcoming semi-final against Cork and find a balance of 'nullifying Cork's threat' but maintaining a core forward line and scoring up front.
"I would be worried if they went out with the same attitude against Cork. They are going to put that extra back into the backline and reduce their attacking threat up front," O'Connor explained.
"You have the best man markers in the game, the likes Pam Mackey, she will clean up ball all day long. If you're going to nullify your attacking threat up front Cork, are going to gobble that up in the backline all day long.
"If Aisling Maher is starting in the back line, she can be a little bit too static. I think she is going to have to move a bit more as well as being the ball player there she's going to have to play that running game with Cork."
The 11-time All-star and nine-time All-Ireland winner also reveals she was once asked to join the late Eamonn Ryan's side, however after two weeks of training realised it was best to stick to one code if she aspired to reach peak levels of performance.
"While I do think that the dual player needs to be looked after in terms of matches and the clash of games between the two associations, Ladies Football and Camogie, for me personally I think it cannot be done.
"I think if you want to play at the highest level, and give it your absolute all and be as professional as you can I do think you have to pick one sport, but that is just my opinion.
"I remember Eamonn Ryan asked me a couple of years ago would I have any interest in coming on the Cork ladies football team, and after a long discussion I said I will but camogie is my first sport.
"I think I lasted about two weeks training, the clashes were inevitable and I just said 'Look I'm not going to be able to do this'.
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Follow the All-Ireland camogie championships via our brand new podcast 'Camogie Extra'. Your go-to source for all things camogie as we deliver the latest news and updates from the 2024 championship.
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