Updated 14.40pm
TRIBUTES HAVE POURED in after Tipperary’s All-Ireland winning defender Paul Curran announced his retirement from the inter-county game last night.
Curran was part of Tipperary’s triumphant 2010 All-Ireland team having made his championship debut for the county in 2002.
The 33 year-old won five Munster senior hurling medals – including one as captain in 2012 – and two National league medals.
Tipperary boss Eamonn O’Shea heaped praise upon Curran.
“Paul has been a leader and inspiration for a generation of Tipperary hurlers and his contribution to Tipperary hurling has been immense.
“Many great players have retired from the game in recent years, but he is amongst the very best in terms of his own personal achievements and his contribution to various Tipperary successes.
“More importantly, he has been the driving force for excellence and improved performance within the Tipperary squad.
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“He is a man of ambition, resilience and integrity who has been a major force for good within the Tipperary squad for a long time. When he came into training last night to tell the players about his decision to retire it was an emotional time for all of us.
“His parting words to the squad were as inspirational as his many deeds on the pitch over the past 15 years.
“I have no doubt that Paul will make many more contributions off the pitch to Tipperary hurling in the coming years.”
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Allstars
Curran was an Allsta winner in 2010 and 2011 while his career achievements also included a Fitzgibbon Cup medal with Waterford IT in 2003 and a Tipperary senior hurling medal with his club in 2002.
The Mullinahone club man last featured for Tipperary in their recent hurling league semi-final loss to Waterford. It was revealed yesterday that he was one of several players omitted from manager Eamonn O’Shea’s championship squad and he has now opted to call time on his career.
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Curran released a statement via Tipperary GAA last night to announce his decision:
“Having had the great honour of being a member of the Tipperary Senior hurling panel for the past 15 years, I have decided to call time on my inter-county hurling career.
‘Privilege’
“It was a huge privilege for me to wear the blue and gold and to represent my county. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the many people who have supported me during my hurling career.
“I am very grateful to all the players, management and backroom staff who have given me such support over the years. I want to thank my club, and the people of Mullinahone, for their loyalty and encouragement during my time playing with Tipperary.
I want to thank especially my family and my wife, Tracy, for the sacrifices they have made and for their great support at all times.
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“I am very grateful for the many opportunities and friendships that being part of this team has afforded me and I have many great memories that I will forever treasure.
Finally, I want to wish Tipperary well for the future. I have great hopes for this team and have no doubt they will go on to bring many more honours to the county.
Tipperary country board chairman Michael Bourke paid tribute to Curran.
‘Pride and Honour’
“Paul was one of the finest backs of his generation and served his county with tremendous pride and honour. Paul was reliably consistant and was unfailing in his loyalty to the county throughout his career.
“On behalf of the Co. Board and Tipperary supporters I would sincerely like to wish Paul and his family the very best for the future and for continued success with his club Mullinahone.”
