Well, the Senior Championship hurling is upon us.
The opener pits O’Loughlin Gaels against The Village in the Shield Final. KCLR will be live from UPMC Nowlan Park for that one thanks to Loughboy Shopping Centre.
Our Senior Hurlers are up against James Stephens in this year's League Shield Final at Nowlan Park this Saturday afternoon. Throw-in is at 1pm and sponsor Pat Carroll expects you to be there to support our club. Hon the Loughs !! ⬜🟩⬜ pic.twitter.com/8NH6W0hnLK
— OLoughlin Gaels Gaa (@oloughlingaels) September 21, 2023
See also: “It’s been class” Village star Eoin Guilfoyle grateful to be working under Brian Cody
Speaking to KCLR Former Kilkenny Captain and current O’Loughlin’s man Mark Bergin says becoming a father has given him a new perspective on hurling;
“I have enjoyed my hurling, to be honest. Definitely the last couple of years. I was obviously part of the Kilkenny setup a couple of years ago, and I really enjoyed that too. There’s a different pressure involved, obviously, there is a huge step from club to county.”
“I suppose I am probably in the twilight stage of my career at this stage. Different perspectives as well in life. I have a little baby girl at home, she is six months old, so you are not living and breathing hurling, but when you do get to work with hurling, you’re training properly, you’re enjoying it.”
“I’m enjoying spending time with the lads, particularly the younger lads that keep you going. Trying to row in behind them and let’s see where it goes. We know hurling is not forever so I’m going to try and get as much as I can out of it. I’m still enjoying it, I’m injury-free, so I’ll stay going as long as I can.”
If your a fan of Kilkenny Hurling, listen to KCLR’s Kilkenny Hurling podcast.
In the seventh episode, we pick our Senior Team of the League and our Intermediate Team of the Week.
We also look ahead to the first round of the senior championship and the intermediate quarter-finals as well as asking the question – are 5 pm throw-ins too late?