Six-time All-Ireland winner James Ryall admits that at 37-years-old he never thought he’d still be picking up medals.

Ryall played a starring role as his club Graigue/Ballycallan won the Kilkenny IHC title last weekend, coming from nine-points down to defeat a Tullaroan side that featured Padraig and Tommy Walsh.

“I thought these days of winning were gone,” Ryall told the Kilkenny People. “The younger bunch of lads really drove us on.

“When I started out the club was in four county finals in a row. I was involved in three of them. I didn’t really appreciate them at the time. I was too young. I thought this might always be the way.

“But bit by bit we started to go downhill, fighting relegation and we eventually went down. This younger bunch have lifted me with their enthusiasm and drive. They have given me a new lease of life as a player. The pressure is off me now. If I don’t play well it doesn’t matter. I am not going to win a game for them, but I do my best to give my best.”

Ryall's former Kilkenny team-mate and eight-time All-Ireland winner Eddie Brennan also featured for Graigue/Ballycallan who now face Kildare champions Celbridge in the Leinster club IHC quarter-final in Callan tomorrow (throw-in 1.30pm).

Follow live coverage of the provincial club senior football and hurling championships on Sunday with the hoganstand.com match tracker.

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