At 30 years of age and playing senior intercounty hurling for the past seven years, Carlow's Jack Kavanagh could be forgiven for losing his passion for the game, but he stressed it's as strong as ever.

Kavanagh will take to the field for Sunday's Joe McDonagh Cup opener against Kerry as the 2018 campaign gets underway. The St Mullins' clubman explained to the Carlow Nationalist that despite picking up his fair share of medals over the years, taking part is the most important aspect for him.

"It is nice to win, but I love the craic, the camaraderie, it is brilliant. It is not a drag coming over here. I just love to hurl," stated Kavanagh. "It is what we grew up doing. I am in the latter stages of my career. I have seen lads dogged with injuries and I am lucky I am not one of those. Every year I just love to get out there. It is the enjoyment I get out of it."

Kavanagh will line out without his brother Marty beside him this year as the younger sibling has opted to spend the summer in the U.S. A decision that older brother Jack has backed.

"Yes it is great for Mouse (Marty). It is his last year to do it. Let him on. He is young. He will be hurling for at least the next ten years."

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