Looking back, Shane Kingston appreciates his father's Cork predicament

Cork manager Kieran Kingston and Shane Kingston 2021 Munster SHC semi-final against Limerick at Semple Stadium. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Life in the Kingston household is easier these days.

Father Kieran spoke last October of how as Cork manager he was harder on his son Shane than other players. 

“He always knew the rules of engagement so to speak were," said Kieran.

"You have to be performing at the level above the rest. I'm not going to favour you and if it's a 50-50 call, you're not getting it'.” 

Shane appreciates how difficult it was for his dad as it was for him on occasions like being taken off less than 29 minutes into an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final two years ago. After Kieran stepped down the following month, the pair were able to talk openly about their dynamic as manager and player.

“Sure obviously I knew it is a very awkward and weird situation for him as well as myself. I can’t blame him for being harder on me ‘cause the last thing you want is to be ridiculed for nepotism or something, but he did the opposite, whatever that word is. Ah sure, look, it was always for the betterment of the group.” 

Cork hurler, and eir ambassador, Shane Kingston. eir announced an exclusive opportunity for its subscribers to sign-up for the GAAGO Season Pass at a reduced rate of €59, representing a saving of over 25%. Picture: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Did it affect their relationship? 

“Ah look, they were just… for 99% of the time it was perfect. There was the odd time where I felt there could have been a hard call made, so there might have been a bit of awkward tension at home for a couple of days.

“But look, once you are back in training, Tuesday, Thursday night you wouldn’t be long getting over it then either.” 

On reflection, Kingston now believes his father did him a favour. 

“Yeah, at the time I probably didn’t really look at it like that. There probably was that bit of added pressure but I didn’t really feel it, to be honest.

“It was just he had to act on it fairly quick if things weren’t going my way, which is understandable, and it probably taught me a lesson as well, you know. It feels like a lifetime ago now at this stage. I won’t be holding grudges with him anyway.” 

Cork manager Kieran Kingston with his son Shane Kingston after the 2017 Munster SHC final against Clare. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Returning to their natural roles as father and son, their rapport is healthier. 

“Yeah, it probably is. It's not like it was anything new to be because I had it in '16 and '17 as well. I can't even remember what it was like back then.

“It wasn't that weird either. We didn't treat each other like father and son when we were in there. I was just another player in his eyes which was probably the best way to have it.” 

Kingston’s seven points coming off the bench to help Cork beat Kilkenny in the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final gave his father no option but to start him in the final against Limerick. At least he did that. The idea of being pigeonholed as a super sub irritated Shane.

“That’s obviously a narrative nobody wants, the impact sub or super sub. Look, I was fortunate enough to start the final. It started well for me and went downhill then fairly quick, but look sure any time you are given a number one to 15, you just have to go out and try to take it as best you can.” 

That ’21 semi-final and the following year’s Munster win over Waterford were among the few in championship Kingston didn’t start Kingston. 

“We were only chatting about it recently and he managed me for 18 championship games and I didn't start just one or two.

“So when you look at it like that it wasn't that bad. It just felt bad. It was probably just the nature of when I was being taken off, maybe that was a bit harder. 

"One time in particular against Antrim was probably the worst. I got taken off in the first half, which was definitely a low point. When you look back on it the amount of games I played under him in league and championship, it's a nice thing to have as well.” 

Kingston misses Sunday week’s opening Munster SHC clash with a hamstring injury but hopes to be back to face Clare the following weekend. 

The 26-year-old described the grade of tear as: “Kind of a one and a half but it’s the tendon so it might be a little longer. I’m hoping three weeks or so.” 

* Shane Kingston speaking at the launch of the launch of the 2024 Eir GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship season in Croke Park yesterday.