The year 2008 will forever live in the annals of history as Kilkenny’s greatest year since the Gaelic Athletic Association began in 1884.
The highlight of course was their first ever achievement of the Grand Slam as the Black and Amber landed All-Ireland titles at senior, minor, under-21 and intermediate.
Last February saw the Kilkenny bandwagon begin as Conahy Shamrocks successfully became the third Kilkenny club to land the junior All-Ireland as they defeated Moyle Rovers on a memorable Saturday night in Croke Park.
Add to the mix, James Stephens dramatic under-14 Féile All-Ireland, and four All-Ireland camogie (plus the National League ) titles between colleges and school, the Kilkenny cabinet has been filled with a glittering collection of silverware.
This year’s county championships produced plenty of top class action among the outstanding individual performers.
Tomorrow night the club players of Kilkenny will be honoured at the popular annual Michael Lyng Motors Mitsubishi hurling all-stars in Langtons Hotel, which is one of the GAA social highlights of the year.
Now in its fifth year, the event has grown in popularity since it began in 2004, and once again legendary RTÉ Gaelic games commentator Micheal Ó Muircheartaigh will be the Fear An Tí and the likeable Kerryman will keep the large attendance entertained with his wit and knowledge.
It promises to be an enjoyable night as the anticipation increases in earnest with the All-star team picked.
The senior, intermediate and junior champions are expected to be the dominant forces when the team of the year is picked, while the likes of Jackie Tyrrell, Paul Murphy, the Hogan brothers and others can also expected to be contenders for an award.
