It has been a very tough Championship for Kilkenny
TJ Reid(Image: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane)
TJ Reid has shared an emotional social media post reflecting on Kilkenny’s season.
The Cats failed to advance from Leinster to the All-Ireland series, meaning that their season is over before the end of May.
While Reid admits the campaign has been a hugely disappointing one for Kilkenny, he told how it was an ‘honour and privilege’ to captain the side as he paid tribute to his family and hit back at his critics.
He wrote: “Championship over in May. Nobody wants to write that. Nobody wants to feel it. You win some, you lose some, that’s sport. But looking back on 2026, it was the ultimate honour and privilege to captain this Kilkenny team once again and to lead the lads out. Those memories will last a lifetime, and getting to share them on the pitch with my wife Niamh, daughter Harper,son Seán Óg and Reid family made it even more special.
“Now that the dust has settled, I can finally take a moment to reflect on a massive personal milestone. Becoming the all-time top scorer in the history of this game is something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s the reward for years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication all paid off.
“This year wasn’t to be for us, and I accept that. But I won’t let it overshadow what this group has built. Six Leinster titles in a row. Six. That doesn’t happen by accident. It doesn’t happen without relentless work ethic, genuine commitment, and a standard of excellence that this panel holds itself to every single day – regardless of what county you’re from or what province you play in.
“To those who are quick to judge right now – the medals and titles tell their own story. I’ll let them do the talking.
“Kilkenny will be back and we will be back Hungrier, sharper, and better next year#UpTheCats.”