Despite pressure, Larkin defies all the critics

HE WAS meant to be the man under most pressure coming into this game, too slow for the new scoring star of hurling, Tipperary’s brilliant Eoin Kelly, but in the end, he was probably the Kilkenny player to emerge with the most credit.

Philly Larkin is the bearer of a proud tradition, three generations of All-Ireland winners, and yesterday in Croke Park, that pride showed.

"His back was to the wall, and that's the best place to have him", was manager Brian Cody's brilliantly succinct summation of his corner back's display.