'I listened to them' - Deegan explains how legendary Kilkenny players supported him

Paddy Deegan is a name that musters up a plethora of traits - determined, dedicated, unassuming and loyal all come to mind instantly.

The O’Loughlin Gaels clubman took his first steps into the senior intercounty fold in 2015, initially trying his hand in training before joining the extended panel a year later.

As 2016 drew to a close, the Cats had secured eight All-Ireland titles in 11 seasons, with stars like Eoin Larkin, Colin Fennelly and Paul Murphy still donning the black and amber for their beloved county.

LISTEN: Henry Shefflin and Walter Walsh - Kilkenny People Sport Podcast

However, as those near ‘Purr-fect Cats’ thrilled and excited supporters in equal measure, one man was slowly but surely making an impression on Brian Cody - a young 21-year-old from St John’s parish.

The hard-working Deegan, who was studying at NUI Maynooth, caught Cody’s eye early on. Now a senior stalwart he recalled sensing when his opportunity arose.

"I used to go on some journeys when it came to getting back to Kilkenny for training," Deegan shared with Kilkenny People Sport previously.

"I didn’t have a car at the time, so I used to have to get a train into Dublin, and then catch a bus from Dublin down to Kilkenny for training, while my dad would drop me back up to Maynooth the next morning.

"Richie Hogan found out about it and he used to collect me at the Poitín Still - he would have looked after me," Deegan added.

The six-time Leinster title winner and 2024 captain reflected fondly on what were then arduous treks to and from training.

Despite going to such great lengths, he never allowed doubt or stumbling blocks to stand in his way, in spite of having no guarantees of making breakthrough in a team hungry to continue their illustrious Liam MacCarthy record.

"It wasn’t too much of an effort for me either. I just saw it as an opportunity to maybe make it on to the panel or the team and I’m happy now that I did it."

And be it transport or an arm around the shoulder, the support Deegan received early on was key to him becoming a main-stay on the panel.

READ NEXT: 'It’s been uplifting' - Shefflin opens up on new Kilkenny under-20 boss role

"The experienced players were really welcoming to young lads coming onto the panel and giving you that advice and I suppose that’s the important thing.

"When you’re that age you can go one or two ways - you can listen to them or you can think that you’re a great lad. From my point of view I think that I listened to them and I think I’m after getting a lot of experience from them. coming onto the Kilkenny team," he continued.

"I suppose when I first came on and first starting in 2017, Michael Fennelly would have been midfield beside me. He would have been a really good influence on me just in terms of an arm around the shoulder if I needed it or a bit of advice or anything like that," Deegan recalled.

The Kilkenny defender’s efforts were rewarded in 2017 when he got his opportunity to shine in his Leinster Championship debut against Wexford, a competition that’s been kind to the local school teacher, who has won six provincial titles.

Stay tuned for more Kilkenny GAA coverage...

READ MORE: Kilkenny Under-19 team named for tonight's Development League Final