Realistic McGrath thankful for the memories

THE end borrowed something from the beginning. Ken McGrath was in his shop this week when the phone rang. On the line — one Raymie Ryan, the Tipp back who marked McGrath on his intercounty debut 15 years ago.

“I can’t believe you only retired now,” said Ryan.

It’s been that kind of week for the Waterford man. He and his teammates got their 2010 Munster championship medals last Sunday evening, but McGrath, substituted against Cork earlier in the day, was preoccupied on the road home from Dungarvan.