He played in three All-Ireland final wins for Kilkenny, and won four medals in total, but the conversation that ended Kieran Joyce’s county career last October was a short one.

Ken McGrath and Conor Phelan were part of the Waterford and Kilkenny panels that contested an All-Ireland semi-final in 2004. McGrath captained Waterford to that season’s Munster title. Then a student at Waterford Institute of Technology, Phelan now works there as GAA development officer. Both men have also suffered serious health issues. They chatted hurling and heart problems...

LEINSTER SHC QUARTER-FINAL:

They were positioned on opposite ends of the field on All-Ireland final Sunday but Kilkenny pair JJ Delaney and Walter Walsh also reside at either end of the experience spectrum.