John Power (hurler)

John Power (Irish: Seán de Paor, born in Callan, County Kilkenny in 1966) is a former Irish sportsperson who played hurling with his local club John Lockes and Kilkenny from 1986 to 2004. In that time, he won four All-Ireland titles and two All Star awards, as well as having the honour of being included on the Kilkenny Hurling Team of the Century. He picked up two NHL titles also, in 1990 and 1995.

A tall and strong hurler, the red-haired Power was often the focal point for Kilkenny attacks through the middle, scoring and creating chances for others.

Hurling career

Club

John Power played his club hurling with the local club in Callan, John Lockes. An early highlight of his club career came in 1984 when he captained the team to a minor league and championship double.^[2] However, the county championship has remained beyond the club's reach in recent years.

College

Power was part of the Callan CBS team that lost twice in successive years in the All Ireland collages’ B final to Cashel CBS and Nenagh CBS respectively, from 1982 to 1983 taught him that in successive years.^[3]

County

Power's inter-county career got off to a bad start, with a loss to Limerick in the All-Ireland Minor final in 1984, losing out (2-5 to 2-4) after a replay in Thurles. By 1985 he was off to a good start making some appearances in the All Ireland under-21 championship, but ended up breaking a wrist before the final and missed out, although kilkenny lost out to Tipperary anyway. Injury cost him an NHL medal in 1986, picked up against Westmeath in Portlaoise. Better was to follow that year though, as he picked up an All Ireland junior hurling medal. Power came into the team for the final at right hlaf back, replacing his brother Michael who had broken his finger in the semi-final.

In 1989, a good performance at midfield on his senior championship debut unfortunately came on a bad day for Kilkenny, who were beaten conclusively by Offaly. Worse was to come in 1990, when a sick and off-form Power was substituted in the loss to Offaly. Power finally won his first Leinster medal in 1991, scoring a decisive injury time goal at the end of the first half against neighbours Wexford. Power had established himself himself as a powerful centre half forward, with a knack for winning high balls and then turning to barge forward through the middle, as he commented himself in 1991: "I love to be driving forward and heading for goal, though in all honesty I’m probably more suited to a wing back position".^[4] Power went on to add three more Leinster medals in 1992, 1993 and 1999.

In 1992, Power won his first All-Ireland medal with Kilkenny, kicking a goal in the victory against Cork. The success continued in 1993, and Power picked up his second of two consecutive All Star Awards for his powerhouse performances at centre half forward, consolidating his position as the best number 11 in the country.

He was part of the team that lost in the final to Cork in 1999, but returned to claim winners' medals again in 2000 and as a substitute in 2002.

Retirement

Power formally announced his retirement from inter-county hurling in autumn 2004.^[5] Nevertheless, he continued playing with his club as well as training some of the under-age teams. He is married to Margaret, with whom he has four children, including twin boys. He is a farmer by trade.^[6]

References

Teams