By Peter O’ Dwyer
Tipperary midfielder Kieran Bergin is revelling in his new found role with the county’s hurlers after a near decade-long stint in the United States watching his teammates in bars.
Bergin was a Munster minor medallist in 2003 along with the likes of Premier stars James Woodlock and Paddy Stapletion and Premier League footballer Shane Long.
After collecting his minor medal however, he moved to New York and subsequently to San Francisco where he spent weekend propped up at bars watching many of his current teammates.
“To be honest I spent a lot of years over in America, in bars watching boys that I am playing with now,” he told the Irish Daily Mirror.
“I never thought when I came back I’d get the opportunity to even get in for a trial. So to be in the starting 15 most days is great.”
The former Tipperary footballer is relishing his new found role and is set to start his first national league final against Kilkenny on May 4.
“It’s a great opportunity. It’s changed my whole lifestyle from being in a pub drinking every weekend watching games to having a healthier outlook on life even.
“I’m happy in the position I am in and I can’t complain,” he added.