Kilkenny minor manager Pat Hoban heaped praised on John Walsh after his 2-5 inspired the young Cats to an All-Ireland final victory over favourites Limerick.

The Mullinavat clubman had endured a difficult year up until yesterday. His mother passed away in March, while he had spent most of the summer on the subs bench. However, Hoban and his selectors decided to throw Walsh in from the start against Limerick after he scored the crucial goal in Kilkenny's semi-final win over Waterford, and the youngster more than justified his inclusion with a man of the match display.

"John is a fantastic talent. We have been using him off the bench all year," Hoban explained.

"We gave him a chance today and he really took it. It has been a tough year for John. His mother died back in March so personally, I am really, really thrilled for the chap.

"He's been showing good form in training of late and we trusted that he'd deliver on the big day. Thank God he did."

The manager added: "I am absolutely over the moon. I can't believe it. It is still a bit of a shock. Right up to the very end, even though we were a couple of points head, it was but, but, but. I am just delighted, delighted for the players."

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