Archive - Kilkenny hurlers hospitalised and emigrating ahead of All-Ireland Final (1973)

Injuries on an unprecedented scale are causing serious apprehension in the Kilkenny camp as final preparations are being made for Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final against Limerick.

But, despite the gloom, the biggest crowds ever have been watching the training sessions at Nowlan Park.

GALLERY: Some pictures from the stellar career of Kilkenny hurling legend Richie Hogan

Three of the top class players in the country, Jim Treacy, Eddie Keher and Kieran Purcell, have all been recently hospitalised while a fourth, Eamonn Morrissey, emigrated a few weeks ago after his wedding to take up employment in Australia.

News early this week of the possible absence of captain Pat Delaney (down with ’flu) added to the tribulations but there are hopes the Johnstown man will lead Kilkenny round Croke Park in the prematch parade.

Kilkenny is also engaged in the minor All-Ireland final against Galway and this team is also severely hit by the injuries bug.

Kevin Fennelly, one of the best minors in the country, suffered a hand injury recently. Just when it was felt he would be fit to play, medical examinations revealed a more serious condition. He is now definitely out of the game. Another casualty is Joe Mulcahy who sustained a broken thumb while playing soccer.

Old followers of the national games cannot recall an occasion on which a county has received such serious setbacks before an All-Ireland final in either hurling or football.

County Board chairman Mick O’Neill said that serious as the defections are, they leave Kilkenny with one advantage.

“I have never seen a better spirit among the players,” he said. “This will be one of the most determined Kilkenny teams ever to line out at Croke Park.”

TICKETS

Over 2,000 tickets were distributed to GAA clubs at Nowlan Park on Monday night when the biggest crowd watched the team in training. Representatives of all the clubs in the county were present to collect the tickets.

“We have more tickets this year than ever before,” said Co Board secretary Paddy Grace. “In addition we have about 400 to distribute to former All-Ireland hurlers. We have been in quite a few All-Ireland finals down through the years and we have a good many people to give tickets to.”

It is estimated that about 10,000 Kilkenny supporters will travel to Dublin on the first non-stop train on Sunday morning. Plans have already been made for a reception on their return to Kilkenny on Monday night - win, lose or draw.