Larkin family’s three-generation hurling dynasty formally recognised

HURLING’S only family dynasty — comprising the late Paddy Larkin, his son Phil and grandson Philip — was formally recognised at a function at James Stephens’ clubhouse in Kilkenny city.

Between them, they won 11 All-Ireland senior medals and each in turn won National League and Railway Cup honours.

Kilkenny's Allianz League success over Cork in Thurles last May set in train the plans to celebrate the family's three-generation contribution to hurling. With Philip, better known as Philly, winning his first medal, he completed the treble achieved by his father and grandfather.

In football, the Donnellans from Galway stand alone in terms of All-Ireland success. Michael Donnellan won medals in 1998 and 2001, his father John was a member of the three-in-a-row team of the mid-1960s and his grandfather Mick was a medal-winner in 1925.

That year Galway were declared champions after a complicated end to the campaign which saw All-Ireland semi-finalists Kerry and Cavan disqualified after each lodging an objection to the other and Mayo nominated to represent Connacht.

Paddy Larkin won four medals in 1932 (in the only final against Clare until last year), 1933, 1935 and 1939. His son Fan, remarkably, won five over a 16-year period the first in 1963 and the others (after falling out of favour for a number of years) in 1972, 1974 and 1979.

He also won two All-Ireland club medals with James Stephens known as 'the Village'.

And, under Cody's management, Philly won medals in 2000 and 2002 after having been on the losing side in two previous finals.

To mark the occasion, a portrait of the three players was commissioned. Seven Kilkenny County Board chairmen, including the present holder of the office Ned Quinn, were amongst the guests, along with a large number of medal winners.

Martin White, who played with Paddy Larkin in the 1932 final, was a special guest.