Who will be the next to go? — This is the question on everyone’s mind as the sun sets on a week of difficult news for Kilkenny hurling.
On Wednesday evening, goalkeeper PJ Ryan became the latest player to announce his retirement from the Kilkenny panel. Earlier in the week, Graigue-Ballycallan star Eddie Brennan had confirmed he would no longer be lining out in the black and amber.
They now both join midfielder James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick on the list of the departed since last September’s All-Ireland final victory.
The wave of departures has fuelled speculation over who will be next to hang up their hurley. In terms of players’ ages, there is an older core of the team – those who have been present throughout the prolific Cody era, in which Kilkenny have won eight All-Ireland titles.
Earlier this month, Henry Shefflin turned 33. Shefflin, who personifies the ‘golden era’ perhaps more than any other player, has been increasingly beset with injuries of late – including two cruciate ligament ruptures. His current shoulder injury will see him miss the Cats’ entire league campaign.
Corner back Michael Kavanagh, who has seen less hurling of late, is 33, while teak-tough fullback Noel Hickey turned 32 just before Christmas.
However, age may be a misleading factor.
Cha Fitzpatrick retired at just 26 years-of-age. And, at 34, it could be argued that PJ Ryan is still relatively young for a goalkeeper. Eddie Brennan, although 33-years-old, had plenty of legs left – as he amply demonstrated in September’s All-Ireland final.
The retirees have something else in common – they all saw less starting team action last season. Watching the game from the bench every week is a frustrating experience for players who are amateurs essentially competing at a professional level – in terms of the fitness and time devotion required.
Fitzpatrick, who was in outstanding form for his club Ballyhale Shamrocks, and in inter-county training, acknowledged that this was a big factor in calling a halt to his career.
“When you are sitting on the bench, it’s hard to keep the motivation to keep going. I thought I was very fit this year and I felt I was going well in training but it just didn’t seem to work out for me,” he said.
“[For me] winning an All-Ireland on the bench and winning one on the field are worlds apart. There is only one place to be.”
Eddie Brennan, too, had spoken of his frustration in 2011 at the lack of first team opportunities. PJ Ryan saw league action last year, but conceded the number one spot to David Herity in the championship.
Kilkenny County Board, however, has dismissed concerns that the ‘golden generation’ is slipping away.
“Every year, some players will come and some will go – a panel is dynamic,” said PRO Conor Denieffe.
“We would just like to pay tribute to PJ, Eddie and Cha, and thank them for everything.”
Additions to the panel this year include promising young hurlers such as Joe Brennan, Kevin Kelly and Cillian Buckley.
Mr Denieffe said that the board were not anticipating any more retirements this season, given that the squad has now resumed training. Kilkenny will open their National Hurling League campaign against Tipperary on February 26.
