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
Kilkenny and Leinster champions James Stephen’s will bid to make up for 23 years in the wilderness when they take on Athenry in the All-Ireland Club hurling final later this month.James Stephen’s also nicknamed ‘The Village’ last won the Tommy Moore Cup back in 1982.
The team has a mix of old and new talent, with a host of young stars that will fight to bring the cup home and bridge that 23-year gap. Chief among them is ace attacker Eoin Larkin, Leinster and Kilkenny club hurler of the year for 2004. His performances this year have not gone unnoticed and he has been rewarded with a call-up to the Cats' Senior panel. The 20-year-old has played a vital role in propelling his side to wins over Wexford's Oulart-The Ballagh, UCD and O'Donovan Rossa of Antrim to qualify for the final. Who knows? It might not be his last trip to a big final at Croker this year.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the county final last year was the highlight for me. It's been 23 years since the club have achieved that. That’s a long wait.
Who are the toughest teams you have played against?
At a local level, O'Loughlin Gaels. They would be big rivals and they were county champions the year before us. Playing with Kilkenny, it would have to be Tipperary.
Who was your toughest opponent?
Andy Comerford, whenever we play O'Loughlin Gaels.
Who was your childhood hero?
No surprises - DJ Carey!
Do you get nervous before matches?
The night before the match I always get nervous, but once it's the day of the game and I get with the team and get on the pitch, my nerves tend to die away.
How do you rate the challenge of Athenry?
Well, they have the experience of having been there and done that, but I still think we have a great chance of winning the final.
What does your club mean to you?
It means so much. You want to win all the honours you can with your club ever before you want them with your county. Winning the All-Ireland Club title would mean so much to everyone in the ‘The Village’.
What advice would you give to young players?
Keep practicing every day. Even if you've got no one to practice with, just hit a ball against the wall for half an hour to improve your skills. © March 2005
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