Eddie Brennan has tough call to make amid calls for him to return to senior fold

LAST Sunday Eddie Brennan rolled back the years as he put in a star performance for Graigue Ballycallan as emerged triumphant in the Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling Championship.

Since then calls have been growing for the 40-year-old eight-time All-Ireland winner to stay around for one more season and try his hand at senior again.

At club level, he’s hoping Graigue Ballycallan can go all the way. Kilkenny clubs have played in nine of the 14 All-Ireland inter club finals – winning six.

But Brennan and Graigue Ballycallan will first have to overcome Saturday’s hurdle in Callan in the form of Kildare champions Celbridge.

Meanwhile, Brennan is adjusting to his new post as Laois hurling manager. Shortly, he’ll be preparing them for next year’s League and Joe McDonagh Cup campaigns.

“That’s the reality,” he told RTE. “Next Saturday started to drift into the heads on Monday morning – we were enjoying ourselves, but it was there in the back of our minds.

“We have to have our heads right for Celbridge straight away because they’re a serious outfit – I remember two years ago Carrickshock only just got over the line against them in a Leinster final.

“We are representing the county and we want to do that right, and there’s also a massive prize available at the end of it.”

When asked if he would line out at senior in 2019, he said: “I don’t know, I don’t know… I have to be fair because I’ve made a commitment to Laois. Whatever I do it’ll be a balancing act and I wouldn’t be able to do it without the great support I get at home from my wife Olivia.”

On Sunday Graigue Ballycallan beat their neighbours Tullaroan amid emotional scenes at Nowlan Park.

Footage was broadcast of Brennan greeting his young son Harry on the pitch after the final whistle and he also shared a quiet moment with his former Cats team mate Tommy Walsh, who was part of the crestfallen Tullaroan side.

“What can you say?” asked Brennan. “The emotions are worlds apart. We shook hands and embraced and with a team-mate like that you don’t need to say too much, just be respectful. That’s one thing we learned under Brian Cody – always respect the opposition.”