Kilkenny's DJ Carey was last night named Man of the Match after the Cats emphatic 5-15 to 1-14 victory over Offaly in the All-Ireland Hurling Final. Carey scored the vital opening goal of the game inside just six minutes to settle Kilkenny's nerves and amassed 2-4 (he was last night credited with Kilkenny's second goal) in total by the end of a blistering display from the entire Kilkenny team. There were several Kilkenny players who deserved the Man of the Match award - the entire full forward line, made up of Carey, Charlie Carter and Henry Shefflin were outstanding, scoring 4-10 of Kilkenny's 5-15 total, while Andy Comerford in midfield, and the two wing-backs of Philly Larkin and Peter Barry, were also strong contenders.
However, Carey, who has turned matches in the Cats' favour with a mere flick of his wrist, won the vote in the end and was awarded with a beautiful crystal trophy by RTE's Marty Morrissey at the team's banquet dinner in Citywest Hotel. Carey, who has come in for some harsh criticism over the years regarding his performances in All-Ireland finals, was a very popular choice with the crowds gathered at the hotel to celebrate Kilkenny's victory and received a standing ovation from the guests in the banquet hall when his name was announced.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland this morning, Carey paid tribute to his fellow team mates for their contribution to yesterday's victory. "The one thing I always say is there'll always be individuals who stand out on particular days. It's great when they do but everyone all over the field needs to do their job and yesterday we did. No man wears any Kilkenny jersey, no matter what level it is, without him being both a great hurler and having a great heart in him."
GAA correspondent Brian Carthy also informed Carey that the second goal had been credited to him but once again, the Kilkenny All-Star was eager to praise others. "Henry Shefflin did most of the work for that [goal] and John Hoyne gave him a great pass. If it's mine, fine, but it's a goal for Kilkenny and that's what matters."
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
