Nine finals hasn’t dulled Kavanagh’s drive for September success

A NINTH All-Ireland final beckons for Kilkenny defender Michael Kavanagh yet familiarity with the September showdowns has not dulled his drive for what lies ahead.

The 1998 defeat to Offaly was the first All-Ireland for the St Lachtain’s man. Kilkenny’s victory over Cork in Sunday’s semi-final has secured the corner-back and his teammates another shot at a national crown.

“I’m going into my ninth final now. The final is where every player wants to be with the build-up and the whole thing around the county. Every player starting off wants to be here. We’re no different. There is a buzz and training will be good now for the next few weeks.”