The Kilkenny team of 2008 will be celebrated at the GPA Former Players Reunion Lunch, which will be held on the eve of the All-Ireland football final.
Proceeds from this event will go toward the GPA Former Players Benevolent Fund.
2008 was Kilkenny’s third of four All-Ireland titles in a row, with a massive win over Waterford in the final, with a scoreline of 3-30 to 1-13. This was Kilkenny’s 31st title, overtaking Cork.
The Cats made their way through Leinster, beating Offaly and Wexford to claim the Leinster title for the ninth time in ten years.
Kilkenny then overcame Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final before their comprehensive defence of their All-Ireland title.
A team of household names
Brian Cody was spoilt for choices with a host of household names to choose from, including Jackie Tyrell, Tommy Walsh, then-captain Cha Fitzpatrick, Henry Shefflin and Eddie Brennan who scored 2-04 in the final.
Their first-half display alone was described by many as the closest to hurling perfection witness in the modern era, casting aside a Waterford team that didn’t have the ability to face the onslaught.
The black and amber won by the biggest margin in 80 years, and to this day, that era of Kilkenny hurlers is one of the country’s most successful sporting teams.
At the same event, Galway’s John Connolly and Down’s Paddy Doherty will be honoured with Lifetime Achievement awards for their outstanding contributions to hurling and football respectively.
Around 500 former players are expected to be in attendance.