Kilkenny’s recent defeat to Clare in the All-Ireland semi-final has been a significant moment for the team, leading to discussion on any possible future changes.
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Former Kilkenny goalkeeper David Herity, who experienced the disappointment of a major loss in 2010, shares his perspective on how the team might react and the opportunities this defeat presents.
Reflecting on his own experience in 2010, when Kilkenny’s hopes of a five-in-a-row were dashed by Tipperary, Herity said, “If you’re talking about just personally myself in 2010 when we lost and lost the five in a row, you had to be somehow be selfish and I was a sub. You’re gonna looking at it going hopefully now there will be changes because sometimes there is.”
Herity believes that Kilkenny’s current players, especially those on the bench, might see the defeat as a chance for change within the team. “I would say there’s a lot of players there who might be on the bench or wherever they are and they’ll know that there will be changes. There will be retirements in Kilkenny. You don’t want anyone to go, but chances are there’s gonna be maybe five or six lads that may decide to hang up their boots.”
The potential retirements could provide opportunities for other players to step up and fill the gaps. Herity emphasized the importance of this moment for those looking to make their mark. “And you just kind of look at the selfishly yourself and put the head down in the off-season and go here’s my chance to get on that team now for the year ahead.”
As Kilkenny processes their loss to Clare, the focus shifts to preparing for the future and embracing the opportunities that come with change.
