John Rochford (24 April 1882 – 17 October 1953) was an Irish hurler who played as a full-back at senior level for the Kilkenny county team.

[2] As a member of the Leinster inter-provincial team on a number of occasions, Rochford won three Railway Shield medals.

He was co-trainer of the Kilkenny team that won the All-Ireland title in 1922, a role he also played with the 1931 Leinster title-winning side.

Rochford made his debut with the Kilkenny senior team during the 1902 championship, however, their campaign ended in a single-point defeat by Dublin in the Leinster decider.

The game against Dublin ended in a 1-5 apiece draw, however, Kilkenny were subsequently awarded the title by the Leinster Council.

Rochford's side later trounced Antrim before lining out against Cork in the All-Ireland home final which wasn't played until 11 July 1905.

Rochford added a second Leinster medal to his collection in 1904 as Kilkenny recorded a 2-8 to 2-6 defeat of Dublin in the provincial decider.

The game, however, had to be replayed as Cork goalkeeper Daniel McCarthy was a British army reservist and Kilkenny's Matt Gargan had earlier played with Waterford in the Munster championship.

Before the game itself there was internal fighting within the Kilkenny camp and a selection row left the team short of substitutes.

In spite of this, the team still went on to win the game, courtesy of three goals by Bill Hennerby and a fourth by Jimmy Kelly.

Limerick provided the opposition in the subsequent All-Ireland final on 18 February 1912, however, the pitch at the Cork Athletic Grounds was water-logged and the game was refixed for Thurles on 12 May 1912.

Limerick were unable to attend the replay and Rochford's fifth All-Ireland title was awarded to him rather than being won on the field of play.

A speculative Matt Gargan shot also hopped past the goalkeeper to give Kilkenny a narrow 2-1 to 1-3 victory.

As a result of this Rochford later went on to win his eighth Leinster title in ten years following a 7-5 to 2-1 victory in a replay against Dublin.

An All-Ireland final date with Tipperary beckoned on 21 January 1917, however, he refused to play due to a disagreement over selection policy.

Rochford is said to have thrown his hurley and togs into the River Liffey in disgust, as he brought his inter-county career to an end.