Editorial: TJ Reid and Eoin Murphy are the pride of Kilkenny
In Eoin Murphy and TJ Reid, the Cats had two incredible servants over so many years - from this week’s Kilkenny People
The departure of two long-time stalwarts of the Kilkenny senior hurling team is a watershed moment for the county as it moves forward into a new era, and a chance to take stock and look back and enjoy some great days out in the black and amber.
In Eoin Murphy and TJ Reid, the Cats had two incredible servants over so many years – one an immovable object at the back minding the net; the other an unstoppable force wreaking havoc at the far end.
For so long now, they were two names guaranteed to feature in any big games when fit. On so many occasions, a deed or intervention by either or both men was a significant difference-maker in a crucial match. They owe us nothing.
Their records speak for themselves: Murphy will go down as one of the greatest goalkeepers ever to do it. TJ will be remembered as a GAA legend for not only his immense talent, but also his longevity, reinventing himself to span teams over almost two decades. His stats are truly astonishing, and will not be easily bettered.
They are also the last two starting Kilkenny players to have won an All-Ireland final. As one era ends, a new one must now beckon.
Kilkenny misses out again
It is hard to fathom how, following a fresh round of graduations from Templemore, Kilkenny has once again been left with the poor man’s share.
This newspaper has continually highlighted the need for more gardaí on our streets, on the beat and in the community – to tackle important issues such as drugs, anti-social behaviour, violence, and road safety.
More than 200 probationer gardaí were assigned to garda divisions across the country, following graduations from the Garda College in Templemore. Twenty-eight of these have been allocated to the Waterford-Kilkenny garda division.
Of that 28, Waterford was allocated 25 new gardaí, two will go to Dungarvan, while Kilkenny will get just one. In the previous round, Kilkenny received just one probationer garda also.
The single-digit probationary numbers are not offsetting the loss of experienced Gardaí to the region each year through retirement and resignation. It is extremely disappointing to say the least.