Kilkenny legends

ONLY six Kilkenny players started and finished in each of their three All-Ireland winning teams of 2006, ‘07, ‘08 — Michael Kavanagh, Jackie Tyrrell (captain the first year), Tommy Walsh, Cha Fitzpatrick, Eddie Brennan and Aidan Fogarty.

Five others were involved in all three teams but each didn’t finish one game.

Derek Lyng and Eoin Larkin were replaced in the 2006 final (by Willie O’Dwyer and Richie Mullally, respectively), Henry Shefflin (captain) and Noel Hickey were forced off injured last year and Martin Comerford also had to come off yesterday after suffering a sprained ankle in a tackle.

Additionally, goalkeeper PJ Ryan didn’t play in 2006 — and was replaced yesterday for the final 15 minutes in a gesture of respect by Brian Cody for the contribution of James McGarry. Likewise, Brian Hogan and JJ Delaney (injured) didn’t play the first year and Richie Power only came in as a sub for O’Dwyer last year.

In terms of a winning score in a final, Kilkenny’s total of 3-30 (39) matched Cork’s in 1970, when they defeated Wexford 6-21 to 5-10.