His flicked dispossession of Seamus Harnedy in last year's All-Ireland semi-final was one of the standout saves of the season but Limerick's Nickie Quaid believes that the role of the goalkeeper has become much more than just shot-stopping.
Puckout strategy has become far more sophisticated than 'hit it as long as you can' while Waterford's Stephen O'Keeffe and Dublin's Alan Nolan have even scored Championship points from play.
"Restarts are a big part of every game now - hurling and football - whereas maybe before there wasn't as much emphasis put on it," he told RTÉ Sport's Brian Carthy.
"Because the game has got more possession-based you're involved more in open play. You often get passes from the backs, whereas before that probably wasn't seen that often in games.
"You're just involved more."
Following that epic semi-final win over Cork, the Treaty men went on to win their first All-Ireland title in 45 years last August and have since added the Allianz Hurling League and Munster crowns to the trophy cabinet.
Standing in their way of back to back final appearances this Saturday are a Kilkenny side who will be aiming to avenge last year's quarter-final elimination.
"Subsconsciously, we probably have gained a bit of confidence from being able to win these big games," said Quaid.
"But ultimately, it comes down to getting the best out of yourself in training and bringing that to games.
"Kilkenny have never gone away. They have such a tradition.
"They have a brilliant squad of players and an excellent management team. They have proven it down through the years.
"We're under no illusions it's going to be an unbelievably tough challenge but we're just going to look to try and hit it head on and hopefully we can perform."
Quaid comes from a long line of Limerick hurlers. His grandfather Jack, granduncle Jim, late father Tommy, cousin Joe and brother Tommy have all lined out for the Treaty.
Tommy Snr, Joe and Nickie all won Munster medals between the sticks.
"My grandfather is probably prouder than anyone of it at the moment," said Nickie.
"With my father playing and then Joe playing, it's nice to be able to try and carry it on.
"Growing up watching Joe, he would have been someone I looked up to.
"Obviously, you just wanted to play for Limerick. Whether it was in goals or anywhere at all, you would take it.
"It might be something you look back on when you finish hurling, but at the moment it's not something you really dwell on."
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