DJ Carey | Eugene Cloonan | Martin Comerford | Brendan Cummins
Ronan Curran | Gar Farragher | James 'cha' Fitzpatrick | Paul Flynn
John Gardiner | Niall Gilligan | Damian Hayes | Conal Keaney | Eoin Kelly
Eoin Larkin | Fergus McMahon | Andrew Mitchell | Pat Mulcahy
Sean Óg Ó Hailpin | Ben O'Connor | Joe Rabbite | Dan Shanahan
Henry Shefflin | Tommy Walsh

John Gardiner has the look of a player who has been around for a long time yet remarkably the expert long range free taker has only just completed his second championship season. While operating in the midfield for the senior team he made a name for himself as a centre-back on the successful minor All-Ireland winning Cork team of 2001 and this year he has been a huge contributor in the Rebels march to the All-Ireland final.

Both Gardiner and his club companion Setanta Ó hAilpín have been vital in re-establishing Cork’s dominance in hurling circles and they both impressed especially in the Munster decider against Clare this year.

What has been the greatest moment in your career so far?
Winning the minor All-Ireland in 2001, we beat Galway in the final and I scored two points on the day. Making my debut for the Cork seniors was unbelievable and of course winning the Munster final this year, I couldn’t leave that out.

Who is the toughest opponent you have ever come up against?
The toughest opponent I have ever come up against is probably Setanta Ó hAilpín in training! He is very difficult to mark. Tipperary’s Eoin Kelly is another tough player to pin down and Ger Farragher from Galway, at minor level.

What advice would you give to young players?
The most important thing is to just enjoy yourself and listen to your coach. All you need is a hurl, a ball and a wall to improve your game.

Who was your childhood hero?
Tony O’Sullivan and Brian Corcoran were my heroes growing up in Cork but I have always admired Brian Whelahan from Offaly.

Do you play any other sports?
Yeah, I play football and have represented Cork at minor and at under-21 level. Also my club Na Piarsaigh knocked out reigning All-Ireland champions Nemo Rangers in the county championship this season. I have no time for any other sports.

Do you find it difficult being a dual-star in Cork at the moment?
You pick and choose your games as you cannot please everybody. When I am tired I just have to tell the management. You have to listen to what your body is telling you but hurling is always the priority.

What is the future like for Cork hurling?
Nearly all the team are under 25 years of age so we are a young side and I believe there is a bright future for hurling in the county. We all grew up together and played at underage level. After as good a year as this year I think we will be even better next year.

© September 2003

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