Patience pays dividends in Kilkenny, says defender Paul Murphy

The first lesson is an easy one, says Paul Murphy. Being on the Kilkenny hurling panel means learning to bide your time.

“You have to be patient. You can’t expect to come in and expect to start because you’ve an All-Ireland minor medal, for instance.

“You learn a lot about a player if he serves his time and comes through after a few knocks — you see the determination in him, and the jersey’s that bit sweeter as a result. If you’re watching lads win All-Irelands or leagues you want to be out there, and the graft in getting there makes it sweet, and if you get the jersey you’re determined not to relinquish it, too.