in 1971 purcell won his first leinster title, however, in spite of an outstanding display by eddie keher, kilkenny lost to tipperary in the all-ireland final. in 1972 purcell won a second leinster title before helping kilkenny to defeat cork in the subsequent final to win his first all-ireland medal. 1973 saw purcell win another leinster medal, however, kilkenny were defeated by limerick in the all-ireland final. purcell missed that game because of appendicitis, however, he was introduced as a substitute. the kilkenny team quickly regrouped to win back-to-back leinster and all-ireland titles in 1974 and 1975, with purcell winning back-to-back all-star awards also.