Eddie Keher’s all-time selection dilemma

Speaking at the History of Hurling one-day seminar held at The Schoolhouse venue at Muckross House in Killarney last Saturday, one of the most stylish forwards of his era reflected on a 19-year senior inter-county career.

Eddie Keher’s stretch in the Kilkenny jersey was bookended by disappointment; he was still a minor when he featured as a sub in the 1959 All-Ireland final replay — which Kilkenny lost to Waterford. He departed the scene after the defeat by Wexford in the 1977 Leinster final.

In between, Keher gained renown and regard as one of the most accurate attackers and meticulous free-takers in the game. He also won six All-Ireland senior medals — one as captain in 1969 — and a Texaco Hurler of the Year award in 1972. As part of his presentation, Keher picked his standout Kilkenny 15 of that era and also assembled a Best-Of-The-Rest selection featuring the championship opponents that most impressed him.