“Not a decision I wanted to make.”
That’s how 8-time All-Ireland winner Richie Power put his retirement to KCLR earlier this year and as another hurling final comes around for Kilkenny, he’ll be watching from the stands instead of being in the thick of the action when the Cats face Tipperary on Sunday.
While injury cut Power’s inter-county career short in the cruelest of fashions, the family may still be represented yet with brother John Power part of the 2016 panel – that decision ultimately will be revealed on Friday night after the final public training session at Nowlan Park.
Richie has been speaking to Oisin Langan to give his thoughts on this year’s All-Ireland senior hurling final as a spectator while looking at the change that comes with no longer being a part of the Kilkenny panel.
“It’s very different preparing for it this year compared to previous years and that’s the biggest disappointment about it. I suppose, you’d love to be still involved but from a personal point of view you still have John involved so you’re trying to help him out as much as possible and I’m looking forward to the game obviously, it’s going to be an unbelievable atmosphere, an unbelievable occasion.”
“It’s the cruelty of sport, but that’s life. I had a very good run with Kilkenny and memories that I’ll never forget but I’m no longer part of the Kilkenny set up so I go back to my club, Carrickshock, try everything I can possibly do to get back playing with those guys next year. It’s a little bit surreal when you’re involved with Kilkenny for so long and then all of a sudden just stop.”
Take a listen to the full interview below.
We’ll have live commentary and analysis of the match on air and online with thanks to Affidea, Kilkenny with our All-Ireland coverage building up from 9am LIVE from the Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin.
