‘Power – A Family Memoir’ launched in Langton’s on Wednesday, November 1 as hurling fans from near and far gathered in the hotel’s ballroom for the much-anticipated event.

Written by Dermot Keyes, the book tells the story of one of Ireland’s and Kilkenny’s great hurling dynasties, the Power Family of Carrickshock, who between them share 29 All-Ireland Senior medals. 

The launch welcomed Richie Power Jnr and Snr to the stage along with a wealth of GAA stars including; Former Meath footballer Liam Hayes, Ex-President of the GAA Nickey Brennan and former Kilkenny & Shamrocks Ballyhale hurler Liam Fennelly.

As part of a wide-ranging discussion, both Richie Jnr and Snr revisited some of their fondest memories on and off the field. However, it was the pair’s bravery and honesty in discussing Richie Jnr’s problems with gambling in 2013 that left a lasting impact on the audience.

Revisiting that time in his life, Richie Jnr recalled the difficulties gambling created in his life, admitting the road to recovery ‘hasn’t always been easy’.

“It wasn’t a nice time for me or my family,” he recalled, admitting he couldn’t have foreseen the transformation in his life.

“I couldn’t have dreamed of the life I have today,” he said.

“Ten years ago I never thought I’d have a life like this.”

Richie Power Snr also opened up about his memories of the period: “In late 2013 I felt something wasn’t right,” he remarked, and it was following the Kilkenny Senior County Final in the same year that Power Snr ‘knew’ there was an issue that needed to be addressed.

From October 2013 to May 2014, Richie Snr and the rest of the family lent their to Richie Jnr, with Power Snr claiming; “It never worried us what other people were saying,” adding, “I wouldn’t want to go through it again but its behind us now.”

Conahy Shamrocks clubman and former GAA President, Nickey Brennan, was one of many ex-Kilkenny hurlers present on the evening and during his address to the audience paid tribute to the Power family for their openness and honesty, expressing his admiration to the family for ‘facing up to the problem’.

Former Shamrocks Ballyhale man, Liam Fennelly, echoed Brennan’s sentiments, claiming its important players in the GAA community look out for one another, adding; “We’re too quick in this country to codemn, complain and criticise.”

Check-out the Kilkenny People newspaper next week for more stories from the night.