Fennellys keep proud tradition alive

THEY are the heirs to a fabulous legacy, Michael and Colin Fennelly, the next generation of a family whose achievements both inside and outside Kilkenny are writ large in GAA folklore.

Seven brothers there were in the original group, seven brothers who formed the backbone of an all-conquering Ballyhale Shamrocks team which, for a period of about 14 years, swept through Kilkenny, Leinster and Ireland, winning all before them.

Though formed only in 1972, nine Kilkenny county titles the Shamrocks won between 1978 and 1991 (beaten in three other finals), four Leinsters, and three All-Irelands – some record.