The Kilkenny football team progressed to the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship final on Friday night following a 3-11 to 2-09 victory against London.
That result saw the Cats book their place in Sunday’s decider with New York, a game that will be played at Croke Park prior to the All-Ireland SFC semi-final clash between Kerry and Dublin.
It promises to be an historic occasion for Christy Walsh’s men as they look to lift some silverware at GAA headquarters.
One man who has championed football on Noreside for a number of years is manager Christy Walsh.
The Kerry man spoke to KCLR’s Scoreline on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s clash.
He touched on the importance of the Mullinavat players, the continued growth of football in Kilkenny and the importance of managing the occasion for his players.
He began: “It’s massive for the boys that are involved. To be playing before an iconic game like Kerry and Dublin is marvelous too. Hopefully, we’ll do ourselves justice and put in a good performance and if we win it will be even better.”
“Everyone on the team plays hurling. They’ve played at every and any level. The Mullinavat guys reached the Leinster club final a couple of years ago.
“We’re hoping that the experience of Mullinavat and the hurlers will mean that the occasion and the experience of playing in Croke Park will not overawe us.”
“It’s a big help having so many players from the one club because they all have a relationship built up with each other. That and the fact these lads are super fit means we’ll be prepared despite the short period between the games.
He continued: “They’ve all bought into it and they have been fully committed. We started back in May and I don’t have anything but praise for the lads that have been a part of the panel.
“They’ll be ready for the game. We’ll be aware of what New York will do and we’ll put a plan in place for our team.
“Will Kilkenny be playing in the Tailteann Cup in the next few years? I don’t think we have any plans for it. Last night was our first competitive game in three years and we don’t have underage team.
“I can’t see it at the moment and I don’t think it’s on the agenda but at least more people know about Kilkenny football across the county today than they did over the last while.”
