Signal of intent in front of the Sky Sports crew
FOR ALL OF his obvious talents, first as an underage sensation and later as a valuable member of the Kilkenny team, six years after his senior debut Richie Hogan became his team’s leader this summer.
As Sky Sports began their coverage of the GAA championships in Nowlan Park last June, Hogan’s four points and commanding midfield performance showed that in 2014 he was set to be more than just another piece in the jigsaw.
Too hot for Galway to handle
As Kilkenny eventually triumphed with ease in this year’s Leinster semi-final against Galway, Hogan’s all-action displays ensured that any possibility of a hiccup, particularly in the initial drawn game, would be avoided.
Not only did Hogan score 0-7 from midfield between the two game but his energy and physicality inspired his team-mates as Kilkenny supporters quickly began to realise who their new talisman would be.
Hogan’s willingness to put his body on the line in his physical battle with Galway’s Andy Smith was every bit as impressive as his free scoring.
That goal against Limerick
Limerick and Kilkenny’s semi-final battle was one of the highlights of this year’s championship. As the conditions forced a battle of pure will and determination between two fully committed teams, scores were at a premium.
As Limerick tried to build an early advantage, this Richie Hogan solo effort put the Cats back in the ascendancy going into the interval.
There were just two points between the teams in the end.
Man of the Match in the drawn replay
Hogan was named as the man of the match in the drawn All-Ireland SHC final after an impressive showing which almost inspired Brian Cody’s team to glory.
Having started the game in midfield, the Danesfort man was moved into the half-forward line in a bid to swing the game in Kilkenny’s direction and, with six points from play, it’s a move that paid dividends.
Unlike in the 2012 final saga with Galway when Hogan’s move to the forward line was the result of Iarla Tannian’s mammoth performance, this time around it was simply to free him up for further offensive damage.
Character and leadership shown in the replay victory
There was no fuss made after this year’s All-Ireland final replay victory, when the country’s stand out performer to that point was replaced on 57 minutes with what seemed to be the result of a rare sub-standard performance.
Although Hogan later revealed that he had indeed been suffering with the flu the week of the replay, Kilkenny’s midfield maestro would still manage two points from midfield before the hour mark.
