JJ Delaney’s ultimate XV of former team-mates is harder than Kilkenny marble

No room for the man himself

JJ Delaney's status as one of the finest ever defenders in hurling is assured after a glorious career for Kilkenny under Brian Cody. That tends to happen when you claim nine All-Ireland medals and seven All-Stars in a glittering 13-year inter-county career. He made his name as a wing back before taking over the number three jersey upon the departure of Noel Hickey. Not bad for a man who began life as a forward and was only converted to a defender when the Fenians U14 side were short numbers one day. We caught up with the 32-year old earlier this week as he discussed his recent retirement and plans to claim some silverware with his club. We also managed to make him sweat out the best fifteen players he's lined out with and it makes  for a serious looking side. Delaney had his pick of great players over the last decade from Noreside. He also could have called upon some of his teammates from the Fitzgibbon Cup success of 2004 with WIT. Ultimately, much like Darran O'Sullivan, he's gone for a fully native XV with a staggering 98 All-Ireland medals between them.. He even excluded himself which probably would have taken the medal count to over 100: