HIGHLIGHT: Heartwarming photo of Fionan Mackessy reveals his childhood love for Kilkenny hurling

Fionan Mackessy’s journey to the Kilkenny club game and the senior inter-county set-up may have began long before many people my have thought...

The Ardfert native made his debut for the Cats in 2025 and went on to win a Leinster title in his first season, having previously earned five Joe McDonagh Cup All-Star selections.

However, the Ardfert man's club published a heartwarming post of Fionan 'in his favourite jersey' from 2009, shared on social media in 2018, proving it was a long term dream for Mackessy.

"Fionan Mackessy in his favourite jersey, who was awarded the 'Hurler of the Week' medal in 2009 at the Hurling Cul Camp in Ardfert," his home club of St Brendan's posted to social media.

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