The most famous training session in the GAA is opened up to the cameras, while the players talk about what it means for them to represent Kilkenny. This is powerful stuff.
On Saturday night, Kilkenny will begin their quest to get their hands on Liam MacCarthy once again when they play Offaly in Nowlan Park. After last year’s surprise early exit at the hands of Dublin in the Leinster semi-final, followed by defeat to Cork in the All-Ireland quarter-final, many expect the Cats to bite back hard this summer.
As the most dominant hurling team of the last decade (six All-Irelands out of the last eight) they built a fearsome reputation as the most hungry, most committed team in the country, with their training sessions becoming almost mythical in the hype around them.
We were told that the second best team in the country was the Kilkenny second XV and that the ferocity and competitiveness of their sessions was what made them the greatest team many of us ever saw play the game. And now, thanks to the folks at Lucozade Sport, we have a glimpse of just what those sessions are like.
Beautifully shot last week, this mini film showcases the team in a unique way. Firstly we get to hear the likes of Jackie Tyrell and Lester Ryan speak with real feeling about just how much playing for the county team means to Kilkenny hurlers and we get an insight into the drive and motivation that means they are still the most feared team in the sport.
Henry Shefflin, even though he is injured, makes an appearance and that shows the level of commitment instilled in the group by Brian Cody.
The film ends with some fantastic footage of a training game, which, true to legend, is just as intense as we had been led to believe.
It really whets the appetite for what the Cats will bring to the table this year, though if you are from the Faithful county, maybe don’t press play.
To be in with a chance to meet, train or interview Henry Shefflin and some of Lucozade Sport’s other top sports ambassadors, submit your video entry right here http://bit.ly/lucozadesuperfan. This can be anything from 5 seconds to 3 minutes in length, and the idea is to showcase what makes you Ireland’s biggest sports nut! Your first memories, favourite sports stars, iconic moments, we want to hear it all! Your incredible highs & heartbreaking lows as a sportsfan. We want to see your energy & enthusiasm with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure!
