Adrian Mullen's first score in an All-Ireland semi-final was from the sideline under the Hogan Stand. In many ways, it epitomised Kilkenny's attitude all afternoon. An all-encompassing swarm of bodies thundering into the tackle to get things started followed by a sensational piece of skill to get things done.
The 19-year-old is in the midst of a remarkable breakthrough season in Brian Cody's seniors. Not that it has been that easy, the physical toll from Saturday's clash lingers still as he reflects on it a few days later.
It takes a few days for the body to recover," the Ballyhale man explains. "It was obviously a really tough game, the intensity was something that I probably haven't been involved in before. It does take its toll, but I'm recovering for the weekend ahead."
The weekend ahead brings a U20 semi-final against Cork. He'll hope for similar heroics then too, after finishing with 0-4 last weekend. That first finish was particularly pleasing, given it came on his weaker side.
"I'm left-sided. That's my weaker side, I did work an awful lot as a young lad to hit off both sides."
Fair play to John Donnelly, I think he hit him a good shot before it and that knocked him back a few yards. Credit to the lads they all worked their socks off all around the pitch and thankfully we got our rewards for it.
Super steal and score by @KilkennyCLG's Adrian Mullen! pic.twitter.com/hb1BTKjmBt
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 27, 2019
While his debut championship season has been superb it should not be surprising. Mullen hails from the Fennelly clan, with first cousins Michael and Colin reliable confidants throughout childhood.
"Yeah, I suppose Michael and Colin have been very good to me. Michael always gives advice and it's good to have them there through the good and bad times.
"It's just good to learn from them and see how they do things and then try to copy them."
Brian Cody is a cousin as well, although he's not sure how close. On top of that, he grew up with four brothers, three of whom were older. Saturday's physicality pales in comparison: "They used to throw me around the place alright in the games out the back. They were fairly tough. We used to beat lumps out of each other!"
Then there are his coaches. A holy trinity of Brian Cody at senior, DJ Carey at U20 and Henry Shefflin at club level. He's three games away from securing an All-Ireland medal with every one of them.
Learning from past greats in order to eventually become one.
They're different in ways but they have the same principles. Just to work hard and stuff like that. They're different but they're not different at the same time.
They know what they're talking about and they're obviously great lads to learn from. That's all you can do, learn from them because they've been through it all.
Adrian Mullen was speaking at the Bord Gáis Energy GAA Hurling All-Ireland U20 semi-final launch.
