Reflecting on a busy season - GAA launch the 2024 Yearbook

Christmas time would not be Christmas time without the Kilkenny GAA Yearbook.

Recently, the latest chapter in a story spanning 35 years was launched in UPMC Nowlan Park.

Chairman of Kilkenny Co Board, PJ Kenny, was loud in his praise of the volunteers who put so much work into the publication.

“I know that there is a huge commitment on the part of people like Gerry O’Neill, Barrie Henriques, chairman Pat Henderson, the many writers whose contributions enhance the quality of the Yearbook,” he said.

“It is without doubt invaluable in the overall context of recording the history of our GAA existence here in Kilkenny. The real value of the book is its success in continuing its long-held mantra of if it’s worth talking about it is worth recording for posterity.”

The launch was enhanced by the presence of County stars like Cian Kenny and David Blanchfield, the young Bennettsbridge star who is the featured hurling star of the traditional poster inserted inside the cover of the Yearbook. The brilliant action shot of young Blanchfield in full flight was taken by Ray McManus of Sportsfile. The Yearbook also features great work from local photographer Willie Dempsey, without whom there would not be a Yearbook.

This year’s edition has succeeded in covering every element of GAA activity. The successes of Thomastown and Tullogher-Rosbercon in the intermediate and junior All-Ireland championships are well endorsed, as is the first-time winning of the county senior camogie championship by Piltown. There is also a terrific embracing of handball activity across county, All-Ireland and the world stage. There is a Those Were The Days look at football in Kilkenny, a county who can always boast that they had won four Leinster football senior championships before they ever won a similar championship in hurling.

The Kilkenny GAA Yearbook is on sale now across the county. The price remains the same at €12.50. Buy one before they are all gone.