On September 6th last year, Eoin Larkin scored two points as Kilkenny overcame Galway in the All-Ireland hurling final.
Six weeks after winning his eighth All-Ireland medal, he was on a plane to Syria for peacekeeping duties with the Irish Defence Forces.
Speaking to Marty Morrissey on the morning after the game, he knew what was coming.
It certainly will be different to most other years but it's something that I have to do. It's part of my job and we'll go out and do it this year and see how it goes.
I'm apprehensive and very nervous. All my family are nervous seeing things on the news but hopefully things will go okay and I'll come back in one piece.
The 31-year-old spent six months in Syria before returning to Ireland last month.
His feet not long on Irish soil once again, Larkin was back in training with Kilkenny.
Coming up next Corporal Eoin Larkin @11larky on representing Kilkenny and his country pic.twitter.com/mY6aRlknht
— Ray D'Arcy Radio (@RadioRayRTE) April 22, 2016
He didn't feature for Kilkenny in the league, though he has played for his club James Stephens.
At the weekend, Larkin was key as James Stephens defeated Rower Inistioge by four points on a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-13. From half-forward, he scored seven points, five of them coming from play.
LARKIN INSPIRES VILLAGE TO VICTORY. See https://t.co/iy5BuRkOvk for more. @clubifyapp
— James Stephens GAA (@VillageGAA) May 14, 2016
Henry Shefflin is in no doubt about the boost Larkin's return gives Kilkenny as they seek a third All-Ireland in a row.
Shefflin told GAA.ie:
It is great to have him back. He was away overseas but with the warm weather over there he had plenty of time to train so I would imagine he is probably in good condition and looking forward to the championship good and fresh.
Picture credit: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
