PICTURES: Richie Hogan launches autobiography in Kilkenny

Dedicated, talented, and a leader on the field and in the dressing-room. These were some of the plaudits used to describe Kilkenny hurling great Richie Hogan as he launched his autobiography in Langtons.

The Danesfort man, a seven-time All-Ireland winner with the Cats, was surrounded by family, friends, team-mates from club and county and a large band of supporters as Whatever It Takes, his autobiography, was launched on Hallowe’en night.

Hogan, who retired from the intercounty scene in 2023, departed the scene as one of the modern game’s most decorated players. In his time with Kilkenny he won seven senior All-Irelands, 11 Leinster titles, five League medals and four All-Stars.

He was also the Hurler of the Year in 2014.

This success did not come by accident; Hogan’s complete focus on hurling meant every decision he made revolved around hurling. Hyper-determined and focused, he worked towards goals rather than dreams. There wasn’t a day in his life where he didn’t think about what he needed to do to get to the highest level of the sport and what he needed to do to stay there.

Former team-mates led the tributes as they joined Hogan for the launch. Tommy Walsh described Hogan’s goal against Tipperary in the 2011 All-Ireland as his outstanding memory Hogan while Paul Murphy, a colleague on both the club and county front, recalled how - even as a youngster - Hogan made others raise their game simply through his presence alone.

“I can remember winning the Lisdowney Sevens in the early days with Richie in the year,” he said. “Even then he would often have been double marked by other teams, such was the threat he possessed.”

It wasn’t just Kilkenny players who had strong praise for Hogan. Neil McManus, who would have hurled against Hogan for Antrim, described the Kilkennyman a player with exceptional bravery.

“For me, his best skill was fielding the ball, but there was true bravery behind it too,” he said. “His timing and bravery under a high ball, being able to win it when the ash is flying, was something else. Hurlers, no matter what county they’re from, recognise that skill.”

The book was launched by Kilkenny senior hurling manager Derek Lyng, who played with and managed Hogan.

“When Richie came into the senior panel in 2007 his reputation proceeded him, but we quickly knew we had a player on our hands,” he said. “He had skill and instinct for the game, was a creator and finisher, but he was genuinely tough. His bravery, allied to his skill, made him the player he was.”

Injuries took their toll on Hogan in his latter years with the Cats, but when he was called upon he was never found wanting.

“The sacrifices he made to play for his club and county showed true leadership,” said Lyng. “He gave his all to help other players and he was a brilliant presence in the dressing-room.

“We don’t give out too many plaudits in Kilkenny, but Richie will go down as one of the county’s greatest players,” said Lyng, to great applause. “And that’s something no-one will disagree with.”

Whatever It Takes, written by Richie Hogan, is out now from Gill Books.