Kilkenny SHC: ‘You want to create your own bit of history’ – Mullen on Shamrocks Ballyhale’s final quest
Shamrocks Ballyhale will play Tullaroan in the 2026 St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Final on Sunday
The St Canice’s Credit Union Senior County Final beckons for both Shamrocks Ballyhale and Tullaroan this Sunday.
The two traditional powerhouses of Kilkenny hurling share a remarkable 41 senior championships between them, Shamrocks Ballyhale (21) and Tullaroan (20).
However, despite the two teams undoubted success, they have rarely met in the championship over recent times. The southerners have claimed an eyewatering 12 titles since 2006, while Tullaroan await their first senior crown since 1994.
But for Shamrocks Ballyhale forward Adrian Mullen, the battle for a place in the roll of honour is secondary to the bigger picture.
“I suppose it is probably motivation on both sides because we’re all competitive people and players. You want to create your own bit of history for the club as well and leave the club in a good place. Adding to the roll of honour would obviously help in doing so.” he told Kilkenny People Sport.
The Kilkenny star has faced his fair share of injuries, but injuries or not, Mullen doesn’t take the big occasions for granted, savouring every minute on the pitch.
“You’re always going to appreciate them (county finals). No matter what kind of state of fitness you’re in, you’re going to appreciate being in a county final and representing your club, your family, friends and community.
“There’s always that level of appreciation, but just personally, yeah, it’s good to get back out onto the field and try to train consistently and play matches consistently. That’s the place you’re trying to get to, just to be able to compete,” Mullen said.
Adrian is likely to be one of two Mullen brothers to start on Sunday, with his brother Jake breaking through to the starting team in 2026.
However, family pride hasn’t clouded the club’s greater good in Mullen’s eyes, crediting the impact the club’s minors have had this season.
“It’s good to have him there, but it’s good to have the three or four other minors coming through as well. So it’s not only Jake, it’s good to have the others coming through as well,” he commented.
Since making his senior club debut in 2018, the Ballyhale man has won three All-Ireland medals with his native club, but despite speaking to us at the launch of the AIB All-Ireland Club Championships, Tullaroan is his sole focus this week.
“Tullaroan, we haven’t met them too often in the championship throughout the years, but we had a fierce battle with them, I think maybe four or five years ago in the semi-final, and we only narrowly came out on top.
“They’re a good team. They have a good manager with them (Davy Mulcahy) who has got a lot out of their team, and they’re playing some really good stuff as well, so we’re going to have to be prepared for it,” he admitted.
“It’s a county final, so there’s always going to be pressure. You just have to get on with it, and when the time comes around, the whistle is blown and the ball is thrown in, you just have to be as well prepared as possible.”