Kilkenny's Mossy Keoghan opens up about life in the squad and at home with All-Star dad

Kilkenny’s Mossy Keoghan has quickly established himself as a firm favourite among black and amber hurling supporters.

The Tullaroan clubman’s relentless work rate and eye for goal have made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the Kilkenny attack despite enduring the county’s most difficult period in recent hurling history.

From making his intercounty debut in 2018 to emulating the achievement of his father Liam and securing an All-Star less than a year ago, the tigerish forward has fulfilled the dream of any young hurler, even if our dear friend Liam MacCarthy has yet to return from his lengthy break away from Noreside.

However, it’s been far from smooth sailing for Mossy and co.

Where to Watch- All you need to know ahead of Kilkenny and Tipp league clash

Heartbreaking All-Ireland semi-final defeats to Clare and Tipperary over the past two years, and a record 18 point loss to Galway in Salthill, have no doubt made the life of a Kilkenny senior hurler difficult to navigate in recent years.

Derek Lyng has faced his fair share of scrutiny in that time, and while many questions are yet to be answered, the dedication and quality of the Tullaroan clubman has rarely if ever, been targeted by supporters.

His exceptional performance not only set him apart on the field but also earned him the highly coveted personal accolade of an All-Star award, recognising his skill, consistency, and impact throughout the championship.

"I think the big thing I’ve worked on is just consistency,” Keoghan said at the recent launch of the County Board’s renewed partnership with Tirlán.

"That’s not just consistency in matches, but consistency in training, consistency in the gym, sleep, recovery, diet, everything.

"If you know that you’ve put in the work off the pitch and you’re consistently doing the best you can across the board, you can trust when you go out on the pitch that you’ve done the work. It gives you that confidence to play on the weekend."

Asked if an element of selfishness is required to reach those standards, he replied, "You have to be (selfish). If you don’t make it a priority to get your recovery, get your gym, get the training, get your time of rest, you’re not going to make it."

Personnel and positions have become regular topics of conversation in Kilkenny GAA over recent months with many online forums pondering whether the talent pool is at our disposal.

Two positive additions have come in the corner-back positions with Ivan Bolger and Rory Garrett entering the panel. However, some in Kilkenny GAA circles have yet to be convinced if there’s enough from the next generation to be hopeful.

Keoghan, on the other hand is more optimistic, hailing the competition within the county’s ranks, believing a ‘settled team’ is not necessarily needed for success.

"There’s competition there, and if you’re settled the whole year, I think it might look like a bad thing if there aren’t lads pushing," he said.

"We have young lads pushing for their chance and deserving their chance, and it just shows the competition that we have.

“I don’t think we’re particularly close to a settled team, but I think that’s a good thing," he continued.

FOR MORE KILKENNY GAA NEWS, CLICK HERE

"We’re definitely a good bit off a settled team. Lads are putting up their hand but I think it may be a bit early for a settled team yet."

For the few that do reach the top of the hurling mountain, motivation is key. For Mossy, a driving factor couldn’t be any closer - it’s right on his own doorstep...

Nearly 30 years after his father earned an All-Star award, Mossy has matched that achievement himself. It was a proud moment for Liam, though the Kilkenny sharpshooter notes the apprentice still has some way to go to equal the master.

"It wasn’t really something we spoke about at all to be honest," Keoghan commented.

"It’s a proud moment to have one (an All-Star) alright, but he (Liam) still has the bragging rights. The county medal (Liam won the senior county crown with Tullaroan in 1994) and the All-Ireland medal (won with Kilkenny in 1993), so I probably won’t be bringing it up in conversation because he has the bragging rights on me," Keoghan joked.

"When you look at the bracket of player that you’re joining, it’s a proud moment. An All-Star is a cool accolade to have - but the All-Ireland medal and bringing the Liam MacCarthy back would be the pinnacle," he added.

As the Cats look ahead, it’s all systems go for the Leinster Championship and beyond with tricky away trips to Galway and Dublin part of Kilkenny’s fixture schedule.

Before the provincial series, there’s a date with age-old rivals Tipperary in the final round of the Allianz Hurling League. A game with no significance in terms of the standings but as Keoghan explained, like other league fixtures, the competition has created ‘opportunities’ for players on the fringes of the starting team.

"There’s definitely a lot of opportunities for lads,” he said. “Panels these days are big and they need to be with injuries and because it’s week on week, not everyone is going to be able to play all of the league matches so you do need a panel and that gives the opportunity then for lads to stand in and impress."

LISTEN TO SOME OF THE BEST BITS FROM THE INTERVIEW BELOW: