SHANE Kingston knows how to put a Cork in the outside noise.
The Rebels are favourites to land a first All-Ireland SHC title in 20 years later this month as they prepare for Saturday’s semi-final against Dublin.
It has already been a big year for Pat Ryan’s men, who claimed a first Munster crown since 2018 when they dethroned Limerick on penalties.
Cork also won the NHL Division 1A final in April against Tipperary — earning them their first national title since 2005 when they last lifted Liam MacCarthy.
Limerick were stunned by Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-finals but the Sky Blues are big underdogs again for their last-four tie with Cork.
Tipp boss Liam Cahill already claimed the Rebels are “raging hot favourites” to go all the way, with his own team facing Kilkenny in Sunday’s other semi.
But Kingston, 27, says blocking talk like that out is key as the hype on Leeside goes into overdrive.
He said: “We know about the outside noise and we always emphasise that we should just keep the outside noise out.
“It’s no different to last year when there was a lot of outside noise. We keep a tight-knit group and keep everything in the circle.
“Everything in that circle matters and everything outside it is just irrelevant to us. We’re staying focused on what we need to do. People love talking about it, no different to any other year.
“I try to keep my life fairly structured. Work, training and meet up with my girlfriend or the lads. I keep a close-knit circle.
“I suppose I don’t put myself in a position to be talking to people about hurling when I don’t need to.”
The Douglas man has had to bide his time this year. A groin injury in February stalled his progress and he has not started a single Championship game this summer.
But his form off the bench has been crucial — especially last time out.
Kingston fired 0-3 against Limerick and then scored his penalty in the shootout after replacing Alan Connolly with 65 minutes played at the Gaelic Grounds.
Connolly would come back on later for Mark Coleman and nail a penalty himself.
Kingston insists Cork comes above any individual but he admits going to extra-time against the Treaty gave him an added chance to shine.
He said: “I suppose one thing I’d always try to be conscious of is not making it about me.
“The team is bigger than any one individual, so I’d always try to stay focused and have a good attitude and be right for the team, whether I’m playing or not.
“It’s just waiting for your opportunity and when you get that chance you try and take it.
“Obviously you want to win any game in the 70 minutes but I was probably nearly lucky that the game went to extra-time.
“It gave me that extra opportunity to express myself, I suppose. It was the same for Conor Lehane, Tommy O’Connell and Robert Downey.
“When you’re coming on for seven, eight, ten minutes, it’s hard to get that opportunity. But when we had the extra 20 or 25 minutes, fellas got a chance to show themselves.
“You’d always be hoping to start but it’s hard to change a winning team then as well. Whether I’m starting or coming on, I’ll be ready to do the best I can for the team.”
- SHANE KINGSTON was speaking as eir announced a major milestone in its network transformation — Ireland’s No 1 5G Network Availability award for the fifth year in a row.
- As the first operator to launch 5G at Croke Park in 2020, eir continues to enhance the matchday experience for fans and players.
