Kilkenny GAA: 'We don't want to be a yoyo team' - Kennedy on St Lachtain's intermediate return
Listen to the full interview on the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast now
St Lachtain's go in search of All-Ireland glory this Sunday, when they face Russell Rovers (Cork) in the AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling Final in Croke Park.
The Freshford men are no strangers to All-Ireland Finals, having won the intermediate equivalent in 2010, with current manager Steven Farrell and club stalwart Brian Kennedy both featuring.
The decider with the Cork champions will be the 16th time that a Kilkenny side has contested the final in the third tier of club hurling since it’s inception back in 2003.
For club stalwart Brian Kennedy though, winning the county championship was the ultimate aim this season, admitting there was pressure on the panel to secure promotion back to the intermediate ranks after their relegation from the second tier in 2022.
"I think relief is a good word to use, I think the majority of us were just relieved to get up out of junior because the longer you stay in it (junior), the tougher it is to get out of it," Kennedy told the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast.
"We were so lucky in the quarter-final against Galmoy, they really had us up to the pin of our collar that day. We dug out a result in the finish but it's just so cut throat," he added.
"You're guaranteed absolutely nothing but we don't want to be a yoyo team," adding, that will be firmly in their minds next season.