The production line shows no sign of slowing down but nonetheless, the loss of a player of Richie Power's quality will inevitably be felt by Kilkenny this season if reports of his impending retirement become a reality.
The Irish Independent have the lead on the story that the injuries that have chipped away at Power's career have taken their toll to the extent that he's set to announce his inter-county retirement this week at the age of just 30.
The Carrickshock man underwent knee ligament surgery towards the end of 2015 and the cumulative effect of a number of surgeries - that was his sixth according to Michael Verney in the Indo - have meant that doctors have advised that a continued playing career at the highest level is not in Power's best interests.
If and when the announcement does come it will bring an end to a career which has seen the full-forward claim eight All-Ireland medals as well as two All-Stars for his performances in 2010 and 2011.
In 2014, he was the thorn in Tipperary's side as two goals in the All-Ireland final went a long way to bringing the game to a replay. And in that replay, he added another rather important one to help Kilkenny to a 2-17 to a 2-14 victory. 2015 was rather more stop-start for Power as injury ensured he was mainly used from the bench with a final flourish for the Cats coming with ten minutes left in the All-Ireland final against Galway.
While that substitute appearance may not have been the ideal way to win a final All-Ireland title, he did at least leave us with one of the most abiding memories of the 2015 Championship season. While the celebrations were ongoing on the Croke Park pitch and the stands were beginning to empty, Power and his son could be found doing what Kilkenny folk do best, a quick puck around whenever the moment allows.
Beautiful moment seeing Richie Power pucking around with his son. Just your average afternoon!! #winning pic.twitter.com/isqo1vrJ6l
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) September 6, 2015
