 Power's inter-county career got off to a bad start, with a loss to Limerick in the All-Ireland Minor final in 1984, losing out (2–5 to 2–4) after a replay in Thurles.By 1985 he was off to a good start making some appearances in the All Ireland under-21 championship, but ended up breaking a wrist before the final and missed out, although Kilkenny lost out to Tipperary anyway.Injury cost him an NHL medal in 1986, picked up against Westmeath in Portlaoise.