Eddie Brennan | Joe Canning | Ollie Canning | DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan
Martin Comerford | Lar Corbett | Brendan Cummins | Ronan Curran
Ger Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Damien Fitzhenry | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Michael Kavanagh
Eoin Kennedy | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Kelly | Eoin Larkin | Derek Lyng
Fergus McMahon | Seanie McMahon | Johnny McIntosh | Andrew Mitchell
Stephen Molumpy | Pat Mulcahy | John Mullane | Sean Óg Ó Hailpin
Andrew O'Shaughnessy | Ben O'Connor | Seamus Prendergast
Keith Raymond | Eoin Quigley | Joe Rabbite | Keith Rossiter | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | James Skehill | Tommy Walsh | Brian Whelehan | James Young
It’s been an amazing few years for James “Cha” Fitzpatrick. In 2004, he earned himself a call-up to the senior team and captained the U-21’s to glory as they swept all aside them. The Ballyhale Shamrock star has since become a vital cog in the Kilkenny set up and this year, he has been pivotal in his county’s journey to All-Ireland finals, not just with the senior team, but also with the U-21s.
He scored 1-2 from midfield against Galway in this year’s quarter-final and his battling performance against Clare in the semi-final caught the eye of hurling fans up and down the country. His skill, speed and his ability to pick off valuable scores is a joy to watch.
He has been a revelation for the Cats this season since switching to midfield. “I play my best hurling there and it’s where I play with my club. I love it,” he says. ‘Cha’ is playing out of his skin and has his sights set on further success for club and county. After two years of disappointment for the Black and Amber, he wants to do his bit to set the record straight and get the Cats back where they belong.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Reaching this years All-Ireland final with Kilkenny was fantastic, a real team effort. Winning the All-Ireland U-21 in 2004 when we beat Tipperary was also top class. I was captain on the day but I broke my collarbone and had to be taken off. I just about lifted the cup.
What has it been like playing at the highest level this year?
It’s been a great year for me. I was delighted when I was switched to midfield on the Kilkenny team, it’s where I play for my club. I am at my best there and I love to get forward and get the odd score.
Who are the toughest team you have ever faced?
Without doubt, Cork. They are a really great team with a professional approach.
Who are the toughest opponents out there?
The toughest opponent I have ever come up against probably our own JJ Delaney in training. He doesn’t give you an inch.
How do you balance your studies and hurling?
I’m a student in UCC and that’s a great hurling college. Studies and hurling go hand in hand there.
Which players do you admire the most?
Henry Shefflin, my teammate at Ballyhale Shamrocks.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
James Stephens are our arch rivals, they beat us in the final of the County Championship last year.
Do you play any other sports?
Golf, swimming and sometimes soccer.
What are your hopes for the future?
To keep playing at the highest level for Kilkenny and to win as many All-Irelands as possible.
What advice would you give to young players?
Have patience, keep at it, work on the skills and things will go right for you.
© September 2006
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