Kingston Promises Intensity from “The Minute the Ball is in Play Right to the Very End”

For Shane Kingston and his Cork teammates, the journey to this point had been anything but straightforward, marked by a series of challenges that tested their resolve and unity of Pat Ryan’s side.

“The first two games probably didn’t really go our way but we built a bit of momentum then from the Limerick to the Tipp game and, you know, we were lucky enough to qualify.” said Shane Kingston who was speaking at eir HSQ 

Staring elimination in the face, the tide began to turn with a crucial victory against Limerick, a game that reignited their season and restored their confidence. The support from the Cork public was unwavering, even when many had written them off. The full house at the Limerick game was a testament to the deep connection between the team and its fans, a source of inspiration that fuelled their resurgence.

“People probably wrote us off going into that game but it was still a full house, and that goes a long way coming down the stretch.”

Shane’s journey to this point had been personally challenging as well. Coming back from an injury, he missed his first championship game ever, a moment that left him devastated. However, his return to the field was marked by a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude. Every opportunity to wear the Cork jersey was a chance to represent his friends, family, and county, whether starting or coming off the bench.

“Any given day you put on the Cork jersey and get a chance to represent your friends, your family, and your county is a good day,” Shane emphasized. “Whether that be coming on or starting, you just want to do your best for yourself and for the group.”

Looking ahead to the semi-final against Limerick, Kingston acknowledges the formidable challenge that lays ahead. However, the Douglas clubman and his teammates are undaunted by the task, instead focusing on themselves and bringing their best performance to the field.

“I suppose you just focus on getting yourself right and doing your own analysis,” Kingston explained. “Then, whoever it may be in the semi-final, you just try to analyze them as much as you can. Whether it be Limerick or anyone else, if you want to go all the way, you’re going to have to beat whoever is in front of you.”

The mood in the Cork camp was one of determination and optimism on the back of two Munster Championship wins and a qualifier run that has seen the rebels perform very much within themselves. It is a team first ethos for Kingston who is ready to give his all for the cause whether off the bench or in the starting fifteen.

“It’s an All Ireland semi-final. We’ll be bringing that intensity from the minute the ball is in play right to the very end. The last time in Croke Park was the All Ireland final, and we didn’t really do ourselves justice at the time. So you’d be looking to rectify that.”

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