Kilkenny poaching players

[Premier Emperor]

Kerry native Fionán Mackessy edging towards his Kilkenny hurling debut

Former Kerry star Fionán Mackessy is edging closer to his debut for the Kilkenny senior hurlers having commenced full training with Derek Lyng's Cats in recent weeks.
Mackessy's move to Kilkenny, where he linked up with O'Loughlin Gaels, was the source of much debate but he impressed from the off with his adopted club before earning a call-up to the county squad in recent months.

Mackessy was selected as a Joe McDonagh Cup All-Star for his exploits with the Kingdom in the past five seasons and it will be fascinating to see how the reigning Poc Fada champion fares at the highest level with the Cats.

The towering 26-year-old moved between defence and midfield with great effect for Kerry but having operated in the half-forward line for O'Loughlin Gaels in their run to the Kilkenny SHC final, his positioning under Lyng will be intriguing.

With Walter Walsh, Cillian Buckley and Conor Fogarty hanging up their county boots since the end of the season, fresh faces like Mackessy are sure to get some opportunities to shine in the league – and he is one of many new recruits in the squad.

Niall Shortall (Ballyhale), Shane Staunton (Clara), Luke and Peter Connellan (Thomastown) are others handed the chance to make a mark over the winter as Timmy Clifford, Liam and Kevin Blanchfield, Conor Delaney, Conor Heary and David Fogarty make way.

https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/kerry-native-fionan-mackessy-edging-towards-his-kilkenny-hurling-debut/a1449385341.html

[Premier Emperor]

Thoughts and prayers for all the Kilkenny snobs who never thought they'd reach the point of poaching a player from Kerry! 

[Cyril Farrell fan]

I remember Tipperary poaching Denis Byrne from Kilkenny.
And ye are very shy about mentioning Tony Reddin being a Galway man.

[marty34]

This brought to you by a Tipperary man! 

[Bord na Mona man]

Tipp poached Moneygall and Dunkerrin from Offaly too.

[gallsman]

I remember Tipperary poaching Denis Byrne from Kilkenny.
And ye are very shy about mentioning Tony Reddin being a Galway man.

Byrne more than plated his part in that sordid debacle. Has always regretted it I think.

[johnnycool]

I remember Tipperary poaching Denis Byrne from Kilkenny.
And ye are very shy about mentioning Tony Reddin being a Galway man.

Byrne more than plated his part in that sordid debacle. Has always regretted it I think.

It wasn't the greatest of successes for both as I think he only played for the one year and was hardly outstanding.


Mackessy is one of a few lads who've transferred from Tier 2 and 3 counties to Liam McCarty teams and if he's anything like Jack Fagan, the Meath man down in Waterford won't be found wanting.

[Premier Emperor]

Denis Byrne was never good enough and no one wanted him in Tipp colours.
Tony Reddin...being born in a stable doesn't make you a horse.