JJ DELANEY HAS announced his Kilkenny hurling retirement this morning after a career that saw him win nine All-Ireland senior medals.
The Fenians defender becomes the latest Cats legend to retire on the back of the departures of Tommy Walsh, David Herity, Brian Hogan and Aidan Fogarty.
Delaney joined the panel in 2001 and also won 10 Leinster senior hurling medals, 8 National hurling league medals and 5 Walsh Cups. He claimed seven Allstar awards in 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Delaney was also Hurler of the Year in 2003.
In an official statement released by the Kilkenny county board, Delaney said:
“I wish to announce that I am retiring from the Kilkenny senior hurling panel. I have enjoyed my time being part of such a talented group of players and management teams. I wish to thank Brian Cody and his selectors for allowing me to play hurling at the highest level.
“I also thank the Kilkenny county board for their support on and off the field. Thanks to the GPA they been a great help to my development in both my sporting and professional career.
My father, family, close friends and my girlfriend Aisling have been a huge source of encouragement and support to me over the years. I thank my club The Fenians, my former teachers and various coaches for instilling in me a love for the greatest field game in the world.
“It’s been amazing the encouragement the Kilkenny supporters have given me down through the years and for this I thank you all. I am grateful to my employer Kingspan Insulation for their support.
“I wish the Kilkenny senior hurling panel and management team continued success in the future.”
- JJ Delaney
