KILKENNY’S CONFIDENCE MAY be riding high after back-to-back All-Ireland senior hurling wins but the January retirement of attacker Richie Power has been described as ‘devastating’ by one of his former Cats teammates.
Power was forced to call it a day due to debilitating knee injuries last month and after learning plenty about the mechanics of attacking hurling from him, Walter Walsh has outlined how the eight-time All-Ireland winner’s absence is felt.
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“Richie Power is an unbelievable player. You saw the tweets about him from some of the players that played with him, the likes of Eddie Brennan and Henry Shefflin.
“They were saying about his vision – he was so good to pick out a player and give that pass. Totally unselfish and then his touch, everything, he was the complete player really.
Kilkenny hurler Walter Walsh at yesterday's Allianz hurling league launch. Morgan Treacy / INPHO
Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO
“It’s devastating to see him retire. He’s only 30 as well and he’s already after achieving so much.
“You’d miss Richie in at training as well. You could learn so much from him. I looked up to Richie when I was a minor and even before that. Getting to play with him, it was a real pleasure.”
Power is not the only Kilkenny attacker to be struck down by injury with Ger Aylward, an Allstar in 2015, out for the season with a torn cruciate ligament.
Ger Aylward (right) lifts the cup after his club Glenmore's All-Ireland final win yesterday. Donall Farmer / INPHO
Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO
“Ger had an excellent year last year, (he’s) a superb hurler,” insists Walsh.
“I went to the same school with him, Good Counsel. He’s an excellent talent. They are going to be places up for grabs, competition again.
“Whoever gets Ger’s position will need the same attitude, work hard.”
'It’s devastating to see him retire. He’s only 30 as well and he’s already after achieving so much.'
KILKENNY’S CONFIDENCE MAY be riding high after back-to-back All-Ireland senior hurling wins but the January retirement of attacker Richie Power has been described as ‘devastating’ by one of his former Cats teammates.
Power was forced to call it a day due to debilitating knee injuries last month and after learning plenty about the mechanics of attacking hurling from him, Walter Walsh has outlined how the eight-time All-Ireland winner’s absence is felt.
“Richie Power is an unbelievable player. You saw the tweets about him from some of the players that played with him, the likes of Eddie Brennan and Henry Shefflin.
“They were saying about his vision – he was so good to pick out a player and give that pass. Totally unselfish and then his touch, everything, he was the complete player really.
“It’s devastating to see him retire. He’s only 30 as well and he’s already after achieving so much.
“You’d miss Richie in at training as well. You could learn so much from him. I looked up to Richie when I was a minor and even before that. Getting to play with him, it was a real pleasure.”
Power is not the only Kilkenny attacker to be struck down by injury with Ger Aylward, an Allstar in 2015, out for the season with a torn cruciate ligament.
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Cats Retirement Richie Power Kilkenny Walter Walsh