Exclusive extract from Ken McGrath's autobiography: ‘This is what you’re preparing for all your life... to do this’

Waterford hurling icon Ken McGrath releases his autobiography this week. In this exclusive extract he reveals the heartbreak behind an All-Ireland semi-final defeat — and the lighter moments enjoyed away from the field.

(Going into 2006, McGrath was recovering from a foot injury)

When the league rolled around the lads were playing Cork and I said to myself I’d go down to the wall in Mount Sion to hit the ball for an hour.