HETHER BLOOMS

Age no barrier for Dubs ace John

- BY GARRY DOYLE

IT has taken 10 years for John Hetherton to become an overnight sensation.

At 33, after a decade spent waiting in the wings, he has finally arrived and not with a whisper but a bang.

This is the year he became central to the Dublin hurlers’ unexpected run to the All-Ireland semis, an inspiration in their stunning quarterfinal win over all-conquering Limerick.

“I didn't see it coming” Hetherton admitted. “I didn’t even start a Championship game before this year. I was just training to be ready when the time came. And thankfully, the chance came against Wexford. To get a start, I was happy enough. It’s an old man’s game, the way it is going!”

That start, in Wexford (inset), wasn't just a debut - it was a statement. Hetherton scored 2-3 from play, silencing the doubters.