As Kilkenny prepares to face Tipperary in the highly anticipated 2024 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Final, KCLR is taking fans on a nostalgic journey back to 2014, the last time Kilkenny claimed the minor title.
This upcoming clash carries immense significance, with both teams tied at 21 All-Ireland minor titles each and vying for a record-breaking 22nd win. For Kilkenny, the stakes are even higher, as they have not tasted championship victory since that memorable day a decade ago.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
In the 2014 All-Ireland Minor Hurling Championship final, Kilkenny emerged victorious with a four-point win over Limerick. The hero of the day was John Walsh from Mullinavat, whose stellar performance, including two crucial second-half goals, secured Kilkenny’s 21st title. Walsh’s exceptional play was the difference-maker in a closely contested match at Croke Park, marking Kilkenny’s first title at this level since 2010 dispatching of a formidable Limerick side that featured future stars like Cian Lynch and Barry Nash.
The Winning Lineup
Here’s a look back at the Kilkenny team that clinched the 2014 title:
- Goalkeeper: Darren Brennan (St Lachtain’s)
- Full Backs: Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan), Conor Delaney (Erin’s Own), Cathal McGrath (John Locke’s)
- Half Backs: Pat Lyng (Rower-Instioge), Jason Cleere (Bennetsbridge), Darragh Joyce (captain, Rower-Instioge)
- Midfielders: Conor Browne (James Stephens), Luke Scanlon (James Stephens)
- Half Forwards: Sean Morrissey (Bennettsbridge), Ross Butler (O’Loughlin Gaels), Ronan Corcoran (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
- Full Forwards: Alan Murphy (Glenmore), Liam Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge), John Walsh (Mullinavat)
Substitutes included Billy Ryan (Graigue Ballycallan) for Butler (HT), Eoin Kenny (Slieverue) for Browne (38), and Andrew Gaffney (Dicksboro) for Corcoran (59).
Tune In to KCLR
As Kilkenny gears up to break the tie and secure their 22nd All-Ireland minor title, reflecting on past glories serves as a powerful reminder of the team’s rich heritage and the potential for future triumphs. Join us on KCLR for this celebratory look back and cheer on the young Cats as they aim to make history once again.
The final will throw in at 5:30 PM on Saturday. Fans can tune into KCLR on the Kilkenny frequency from 5 PM for pre-match buildup and live commentary, courtesy of Gerry Comerford Drilling.
Exclusive interviews from UPMC Nowlan Park will also be available from 2 PM to 3 PM, thanks to Countrystyle Foods.
Additionally, tonight there will be a full preview show presented by Aut Even and KCLR, starting at 7 PM.