Johnny Pilkington is next up on Laochra Gael
February 01, 2021
Former Offaly hurler Johnny Pilkington. ©INPHO/James Crombie.
Offaly hurling's cult hero Johnny Pilkington will be the focus of Laochra Gael this week.
The Birr legend won two All-Ireland SHC medals and four Leinster SHC titles with the Faithful County during an inter-county career spanning from 1988 to 2001 as well as claiming an All-Star. In addition, he captured four All-Ireland club SHC medals, six Leinster club SHC titles and eight Offaly SHC medals.
A larger than life character, Pilkington has many fond memories of his days as an Offaly hurler, including his unique pre-All-Ireland final match routine. On the night before the big game, he would treat himself to three or four pints to calm his nerves.
"I always went for the couple of pints in the local," he tells.
"I wasn’t going to be one of these lads to go off to some discreet pub somewhere. What it did, and what it helped me to do, was it helped to take that nervousness and butterflies.
"The three or four pints always gave you that good night’s sleep."
On: Thursday 4 February @ 9.30pm on TG4
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