As the Kilkenny Senior Hurling League kicks off this weekend, KCLR’s Oisin Langan caught up with hurling legend J.J. Delaney to discuss everything from his career as well as the upcoming games in the Kilkenny Hurling Championship.
Delaney, who retired from inter-county hurling in 2014 after winning his ninth winners’ medal, also left the game with an impressive tally of seven All-Star awards.
Reflecting on his storied career and offering advice to current players, Delaney shared his insights on balancing club and county commitments, particularly for those on the Kilkenny senior panel.
Delaney’s Advice to Kilkenny Panelists
In a candid conversation, Delaney emphasized the importance of focusing on club duties during the league season:
“I think they should put the Kilkenny thing to bed. Don’t think about it for the next few weeks. Your full focus should be on your club, and if you’re on the Kilkenny senior panel, you’re a good hurler, so you should be a leader for your club. That’s the first and foremost.”
He continued, “Forget about Kilkenny, forget about next year. Find a bit of form and get yourself involved in the game. Don’t try and do everything. Once you’re a Kilkenny player, when you go out with your club, you can fall into the trap of thinking you need to be everywhere. Hurl your own patch. Be a leader on the team, and that’s not necessarily about dominating the game or scoring 10 points. Just try hard and encourage the guys around you.”
Delaney’s own club, Fenians, are set to compete in the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League this weekend. They face Tullogher Rosbercon at 18:00 in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Weekend Fixtures and Live Coverage
KCLR will be providing live coverage of the St. Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League, starting this Friday. Here’s a rundown of the fixtures and coverage times:
Friday, 2nd August 2024
- Dicksboro vs. Tullaroan at Tom Ryall Park, 19:00
- Live coverage on KCLR from 7 PM, with thanks to [insert sponsor].
Saturday, 3rd August 2024
- O’Loughlin Gaels vs. Clara at Gowran, 12:00
- Live coverage on KCLR from 12 PM, with thanks to [insert sponsor].
- Thomastown vs. James Stephens at Bennettsbridge, 14:00
- Live coverage on KCLR from 2 PM.
- Erin’s Own vs. Mullinavat at John Locke Park, 16:00
- Live coverage on KCLR from 4 PM.
- Graigue Ballycallan vs. Shamrocks Ballyhale at Dunnamaggin, 18:00
- Live coverage on KCLR from 6 PM.
Sunday, 4th August 2024
- Glenmore vs. Bennettsbridge at Inistioge, 17:00
- The last game of the opening weekend, rounding off the live coverage.
Delaney’s Final Words
In his closing remarks, Delaney reiterated the importance of leadership and focus for club players:
“Everyone wants to be on the Kilkenny senior panel, so be a leader for your club. That’s hugely important. When you’re hurling, don’t try to do everything, because when you try to do everything, you end up doing nothing. Just hold your own patch and enjoy it. These are the best days of your life.”
Tune in to KCLR for comprehensive live coverage of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling League this weekend and catch all the action as it unfolds.
Listen to the full interview below: