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Martin Comerford Morgan Treacy/INPHO
Best of Enemies

Martin Comerford recalls his winning goal in 2009 as Kilkenny and Tipp renew their rivalry

The O’Loughlin Gaels man says Brian Cody’s approach doesn’t change when it comes to playing the Premier County.

MARTIN COMERFORD knows the pain of being dropped for an All-Ireland final.

The three-time Allstar lost his place in the Kilkenny’s four-in-a-row chasing team back in 2009, having, to use his own words, been “hurled out of it by (Michael) Brick Walsh” in the All-Ireland semi-final win over Waterford.

But Comerford took Cody’s decision like any great player would, by putting the head down and focusing on making an impact from the bench.

“I had a bad year that year and I was left off for the final. I was justifiably left off. It was great to get a game and make some sort of contribution to the victory,” he said.

“When you have a poor game in the semi-final you’re trying to rectify things and you’re trying to, from your own point of view, put the record straight the next day.

“The fact that I didn’t start and I got called with about 10 or 15 minutes to go, you’re trying to do as best you can. Trying to get on the few balls and create a few chances for your teammates.”

Comerford buried Kilkenny’s second goal within minutes of his introduction, one that drove another nail into Tipperary’s dying challenge. 60 seconds earlier Henry Shefflin had hit the Tipp net with a penalty to turn around a game that had been slipping away from the Cats.

“Ah I suppose it was a unique thing alright, winning four All-Irelands in-a-row and it was great to be involved in it.”

Martin Comerford celebrates after scoring the decisive goalSource: Lorraine O'Sullivan/INPHO

Comerford's decisive impact that day marked the first of a trilogy of epic finals between Kilkenny and Tipperary. On Sunday they renew their rivalry in a final for the first time since 2011, but Comerford insists Cody's approach remained the same no matter who they played on the first Sunday in September.

"There's no difference. We treated every team on their merits. Brian would obviously look at the strengths of Tipperary, the weaknesses that he would perceive in the Tipperary camp and Eamon O'Shea will do the same with the Kilkenny starting 15 and try and work your performance around that.

"There was never anything from our side with regard to playing Tipperary. It was just another team, another game and just go out and perform as best you can and try and get across the line."

One player who might be looking to make a similar impact from the bench as Comerford's in '09, is his old team-mate Shefflin. Born only a couple of months apart, they soldiered together at senior level for nine years.

Mark Foley is tackled by Martin ComerfordSource: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Given the fact that Comerford retired from inter-county hurling in 2010, he knows how hard Shefflin works to remain at the top of the game.

“His commitment to keeping himself fit and keeping in shape is frightening. We all look at Henry and he looks a little bit gaunt from time to time. That's just the level of his fitness and he looks after his body.

"I always remember Henry saying before big Championship games that he was looking forward to a full Irish breakfast the morning after. His treat the morning after a big Championship game would be a big breakfast for himself. He wouldn't be having too many such feeds during the season."

Snapshot – Now Tipp fans are goading Cody…but Kilkenny confidence remains high

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