Waterford legend Ken McGrath admits he was never the same after “heartbreaking” 2008 All-Ireland defeat

Ken McGrath is probably one of the best players never to win an All-Ireland medal.

The Waterford and Mount Sion legend retired in 2013 after winning four Munster hurling crowns and an Allianz League, but the ultimate prize in GAA eluded him. The former centre-back, who began his career as a wing forward, is the feature of this Sunday’s 'Laochra Gael' on TG4, and the All-Ireland final loss to Kilkenny in 2008, provides some of the most heart wrenching scenes in the show. Waterford had finally ended the All-Ireland semi-final hoodoo that had seen them miss out on reaching a September showpiece after narrow losses to Cork and Clare in previous years. But in 2008, under new manager Davy Fitzgerald, the Deise were crushed in one of the most relentless Kilkenny performance of the Brian Cody era, by 3-30 to 1-13. McGrath admits the loss was devastating, and changed his how outlook on life.

“They destroyed us and it was after 10-15 minutes. It was absolutely heartbreaking. You’re waiting your whole career for it, your whole life for it and the last thing you expect is that to happen. “People were obviously upset at what happened and there was a lot of people upset for us because they knew what we put into Waterford hurling. "They were devastated for what was after happening really and looking back for me I was never the same after the All-Ireland final. “From that game I never had a good run with Waterford and it's hard to admit it happened, but that's the facts.”

The show however does also recall the brighter memories of McGrath’s incredible 16-year hurling career, and he warmly describes Justin McCarthy as the biggest inspiration in his life. McGrath also speaks about the life-changing brain haemorrhage he suffered in 2013, and the support he received from team-mates and past opponents in his recovery. The show is to be broadcast this Sunday at 5.55 on TG4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZNh1pBcyU0