Cummins keen to end on a high note

A couple of weeks ago, against Cork in Páirc Uí Rinn in the opening round of the Allianz Hurling League, Brendan Cummins began his 19th competitive season in the Tipperary goalkeeper’s jersey, the most onerous position in any sport. It almost didn’t happen.

In the All-Ireland semi-final last August he was beaten four times as Kilkenny romped to a record win over Tipperary, 4-24 to 1-15. On his darkest day in the blue and gold it tempted thoughts of retirement.

“I thought after the game that could be the end of it. I even had a look around the place as I left, said goodbye to the stewards and all the fellas I was good friends with over the years,” he said. “But I had always said I’d like to give the jersey back in better condition than when I got it and that, obviously, wasn’t the case leaving Croke Park that day.