 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.Better was to follow that year though, as he picked up an All Ireland junior hurling medal.