'Your outlook changes' - Veteran Paul Murphy enjoying Kilkenny hurling as much as ever
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Danesfort centre-back Paul Murphy is showing no signs of advancing hurling years with the four-time All-Ireland winner with Kilkenny enjoying the game as much as ever.
Murphy and his Danesfort team-mates secured their place in the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai IHC Final against the Village with a hard fought 3-13 to 0-17 last four win over Dunnamaggin in a high pressured game for both.
"I'm really enjoying it this year. I suppose it changes when you're 26 or 36 as your outlook changes on it but we have a great team at the moment and we're going good underage at the moment as well," Murphy said after the semi-final.
"Adrian (Burke) and the management are excellent. You're trying to balance hurling and work and I've really had a good balance this year so I'm just enjoying the hurling this year and it's a bonus you make it to a county final in a year that you're enjoying it."
Danesfort, who won this grade in thrilling fashion in 2022 with a memorable extra-time final win over Thomastown, will no doubt believe their six set of backs, can act as a launching pad to victory on Sunday. Their robust defence has so far this year offered the perfect blend of a sturdy defensive line and the first point of attack.
"The forwards pull back a bit and the midfield helps out. As six backs you can defend all you want but you need that extra hand," the Danesfort centre-back explained.
"You need an outlet to give the ball away and plenty of times the half-forward line were coming right out and that really helps and probably makes us look good on the half-back line."