Fitzgibbon success a motivator according to ex-Kilkenny All-Ireland winner
Two Kilkenny players achieved the accolade with the University of Limerick on Saturday
Four-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny, Kieran Joyce believes winning a Fitzgibbon Cup medal is the perfect motivator for an inter-county player to make the next step in their development.
A number of players from the Kilkenny county panel were involved in this afternoon's Fitzgibbon Cup Final as University of Limerick (UL) were crowned champions of the competition for the ninth time after they defeated DCU 1-15 to 0-23 on Saturday afternoon in the Connacht GAA centre of excellence.
Emeralds player Killian Doyle lined out at wing back for UL while Glenmore's Ian Byrne was also involved on the Limerick university's squad as they recaptured a title they last won in 2023.
For DCU, Kilkenny senior panelist and Dicksboro star Padraic Moylan captained the team while Young Irelands man Paddy Langton was the vice-captain. The duo man the DCU defence at full and centre back respectively but were also assisted by Billy Reid (Glenmore), Padraig Lennon (Carrickshock),Ivan Bolger (Graiguenamanagh) and Denis Walsh (Dunnamaggin).
There was further Kilkenny stars involved on the panel with; Bill Hughes (Bennettsbridge), Sam Byrne (Blacks and Whites), Eoin O'Brien (Rower Inistioge) and Ted Dunne (Graignamanagh).
"From a Kilkenny point of view, for lads to get a Fitzgibbon medal under their belt to make the next step to senior inter-county hurling, Derek would be delighted to see lads get over the line," the Rower Inistioge clubman said.
"For any player to win at this level, it does spur you on for the next step," the former Kilkenny wing-back commented.