If ever there was a statement to illustrate just how unlikely the hurling semi-final pairings were this year, it was the fact that Cork’s Tom Kenny was the only player with an All-Ireland medal. And what a career he has had.
Of course his team-mate Shane O’Neill also has a medal as an unused substitute from the 2005 victory over Galway, but the Grenagh man is the only man with experience of victory on the big day in Croke Park.
Since making his debut for the Cork seniors in 2003 – he actually made his one and only appearance for the footballers that same summer in a heavy defeat to Limerick – he has become one of the stand-out hurlers of his generation.
That summer the Rebels reached an All-Ireland Final, but suffered defeat to Kilkenny, but this was to be a golden period for hurling on Leeside, with the provincial rivalry against Waterford a particular highlight.
Starting out as a dynamic wing-back, he often played at midfield and along with his centre-field partner Jerry O’Conner, they often ran their opponents into the ground, with the Cork running game causing most teams all kinds of trouble. His athletic displays all over the pitch made him an integral part of the Cork side that was ultimately thwarted by the Cats in 2006 in their quest for three-in-row.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLf9unGrsZw
Despite strikes, managerial changes and increased competition, Kenny has stood the test of time and will look to add a third winner’s medal on September the 8th Few observers – apart from Clare followers of course – would begrudge the player such an honour.
