byrne first came to prominence on the inter-county scene as a member of the unsuccessful kilkenny minor hurling team in 1964. he later joined the senior team, however, it would be 1971 before he became a regular on the team, making his debut in the national hurling league. that year byrne won a leinster title, however, kilkenny were later beaten by tipperary in a thrilling all-ireland final. the following year he captured a second leinster medal before later lining out in his second all-ireland final. arch-rivals cork provided the opposition and, for a while, it looked as if the leesiders were cruising to victory. kilkenny fought back to win the game and byrne collected an all-ireland medal.