Power bows out of intercounty hurling

KILKENNY attacker John Power has confirmed he will quit intercounty hurling at 36.

Power's cameo appearance at the tail-end of Sunday's All-Ireland final marked his final outing with the county in a competitive game, when he shared with DJ Carey the distinction of winning a fourth medal on the field.

Power established a reputation as a fearless centre-forward who linked up cleverly with the inside players.

He said yesterday that while he would have loved to come into the game earlier, he did not want to be appear to be "selfish" in not taking account of the feelings of the other substitutes.

The reaction was typical of a man whose gentle approach off the field belied his toughness on it. A farmer in the Callan area and the father of twins, Power first represented Kilkenny as a minor in 1983.

In 1990, he won a National League medal playing at right half-back, and was then switched to attack.

Kilkenny took the All-Ireland titles in 1992 and 1993. In 1997, injury and a club suspension limited his involvement. It also led to Kevin Fennelly excluding him controversially from his panel for the 1998 championship which saw Kilkenny lose to Offaly in the All-Ireland final. He regards the 1999 championship as his best.

In January, Andy Comerford persuaded him to stay on.

"I trained hard and I threw in my lot. But it just did not happen for me . It was tough not be asked to play any game, but I trained hard," he said.

"Of course it was nice to get the run on Sunday. It was great to be wanted and to feel appreciated."

Power will continue to play at club level.

GAA leaders were at a loss yesterday to explain how the attendance at Sunday's "sell-out" All-Ireland final was reported at more than 3,000 below its capacity. The official attendance given to the media was 76,254.

However, it is understood that 79,500 tickets were issued to the counties and that about only 40 were returned late. A statement clarifying the situation is expected to be issued today.