The continuous education of Clonmel Commercials' star Jack Kennedy

How is an inter-county star formed? The lived experience is fluid.

Fri, 25 Nov, 2022 - 06:02

Maurice Brosnan

In the seasons after Tipperary stormed to the 2015 minor All-Ireland final, Jack Kennedy was thunderous. Tall, technical, forceful in the air. It was only a matter of time before the Aussies came calling.

He took on Kerry midfielder and future Geelong champion Mark O’Connor in that U18 decider. Within two years he’d made the senior number nine his own. After their championship exit, North Melbourne invited him over alongside Armagh’s Rian O’Neill for a two-week trial. Kennedy had not attended a combine; his all-round ability in blue and gold alone was cause for a closer look.