Kilkenny under Brian Cody has won 11 All Ireland titles during his managerial reign. He has also won three as a player, some people of the younger generation forget that little nugget.
Many people dream as a kid of winning just one All Ireland medal, let alone 14. No doubt one of those men is Paddy Deegan.
The O’Loughlins man was brought into the senior fold extended panel in 2015 but did not make his first appearance until 2017. During his reign in the side, he has won two Leinster titles and one National League title, but an All Ireland medal is something that has escaped him, even before his time in the Black and Amber.
Embed from Getty ImagesAll Ireland Quest
Deegan made it to three schools All Ireland finals with the CBS Kilkenny in 2012, 2013, and 2014. No doubt a devasting feeling for anybody, let alone a school kid. Deegan’s quest for All Ireland glory continued with Kilkenny, and he lined out for the Black and Amber in Croker for the 2019 final against Tipperary. On that day for Deegan and Cody’s men, it was not to be with Tipperary running out convincing winners in the end. (After a dubious red card to say the least)
The crusade to be crowned an All Ireland champion is never easy. They have vanquished a gallant Galway side in the Leinster final, and cleared Clare in the semi-final, but now they arguably face their toughest task to date. Limerick. The reigning defending All Ireland champions. The task at hand is monumental, something not lost on Deegan. Speaking to Scoreline, the 26-year-old, knew the battle that lay ahead of him;
“It will be a big challenge, they are a very good team and they are playing well. They have won three of the last four All Irelands. It will be a massive challenge but one we are looking forward to.”
“We are looking forward to it, there is not too much of a break.”
“Mickey Comerford has done well with us the last few years and he will have us fresh out come the day of the final.”
Embed from Getty ImagesSee also : Kilkenny stun Clare with ruthless display to book All-Ireland final
Semi-Final Glory
Many were impressed and, admittingly, quite shocked at the ease in which Kilkenny defeated Clare en route to the final. The Cats booked their place in the decider after a resounding 2-26 to 0-20 defeat.
That victory meant Brian Cody’s side will take their place in the showpiece event for the first time in three years. For the first time since 2019, when Deegan and Co were defeated by close rivals Tipperary. Before that final, Kilkenny also had a particularly impressive showing in the semi-final.
You see in 2019 Kilkenny shockingly got the better of favourites Limerick in an epic encounter to cement their place in the decider. It was a great performance, that turned many heads. Much like last weekend’s game, however, Deegan knows they can’t rest on their laurels looking ahead to Limerick;
“It was a very good performance, there are obviously aspects that we need to work on. But it was very good and we were very happy with it. It is about putting our heads down and making sure our standards don’t drop.”
“If you set a standard you should always look to go above that again the next time you go out. We will have to up it against Limerick.”
Embed from Getty ImagesSee also : Ranking every team to win the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship since 2011
Oh my my July
Obviously, we are all looking forward to the All-Ireland final next weekend, but for some, it certainly feels strange having it in July.
The GAA Congress voted last in favour of the split season model with the remainder of the year being devoted to club activity.
Cats star Deegan spoke briefly on the change and indicated he is in support of the change;
“It gives club lads the opportunity to plan ahead and plan their summer. It is a good setup at the moment”
The full interview with Paddy Deegan along with Brian Cody on Scoreline this Saturday after 2pm. Text 0833069696 during the show to have your opinion heard.
