FORMER TIPPERARY CAPTAIN and All-Star Conor Sweeney has retired from inter-county football, aged 34.
The full-forward enjoyed his greatest success in 2020 when becoming the first Tipp man to lift the Munster SFC Cup in 85 years after beating Cork with a man-of-the-match performance.
His performances that year saw Sweeney follow Declan Browne and Michael Quinlivan by becoming Tipperary’s third football All-Star.
Tipperary’s Munster winning captain Conor Sweeney retires.
— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole13) October 31, 2024
This point to draw 2020 Munster semi-final, a stunning kick. Hit 0-7 then in final win and got Allstar that season.
pic.twitter.com/6sBTenNTxw
He was also nominated in 2016 after starring in the run to the All-Ireland semi-finals, scoring 2-2 in the quarter-final victory over Galway at Croke Park.
He was on the first Premier team to win the Munster U21 football title in 2010, the same year he made his senior debut.
The Ballyporeen clubman was also named in the Ireland squad to tour Australia in the 2017 International Rules Series.
His final years of inter-county football were disrupted by a cruciate injury sustained in January 2023.
“After 15 years playing senior football for Tipperary, I feel now is the right time to step away and retire from inter-county football,” said Sweeney in a statement.
“I feel truly honoured and privileged to have represented my county over the last number of years, and I have genuinely loved every minute of my time in the blue and gold (and green and white).
“Firstly, I would like to thank all the players whom I have had the pleasure of sharing a dressing room with, undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect of my time with Tipp. The friendships made and craic shared will stay with me forever.
“I have loved the opportunity to play alongside some of the best players Tipperary has had to offer over the last number of years. I would also like to thank all the various managers, coaches, and extended backroom staff whom I worked with since I started out in 2010. Your support was always greatly appreciated.”
He added: “Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge two people that are no longer with us, but whom had a massive impact on me throughout my career. The late Liam Kearns and Pat O’Callaghan.
“Liam, as everyone will know, was a previous manager and an excellent one at that, and Pat was the groundsman in Coolmore Morris Park since I started training there as a 16-year-old. Two people who are and will continue to be greatly missed by all who knew them.
“The journey I have had will be remembered for all the right reasons, we had some great days, but all good things must come to an end.
“I have been selfish for so long, and now it’s time to focus on other aspects of my life.
“I would like to wish Philly (Ryan) and all the team the very best in the future and I look forward to supporting the team from the stands. Up Tipp.”
Tipperary GAA thanked Sweeney for his “exceptional and unquestionable commitment to football in Tipperary, both on the field as a player and off it as one of the greatest ambassadors for football that this county has ever had”.
I’ve seen enough. Munster for the league and cup double.
Was at the game. Sweetnam was superb, as was tommy o d and Coombes at 8. It wasn’t a great game though.
@Jim Demps: What’s the verdict on the artificial pitch?
@Brian Brian: no rreal grass
@Jim Demps: Hopefully this is Sweetnam’s season, badly overlooked on the last one.
@Brian Brian: looks class Brian. Musgrave looks like a proper stadium now.
@Rollander: He wasn’t badly overlooked. Struggled for form big time up until feb/march but really started to come right then.
@Liam Ó Duibhir: Uhh, yeah, he was.
Wooten, whose ceiling isn’t nearly as high, was chosen for all of the big games towards the end of the season.
@Rollander: You pick on form not on potential and wotton was picked on form against tolouse but then got shown up. Sweets was a potential irish pick at the start of the season but he didnt find form till during the six nations.
Was at the game as well. The bounce of the ball on the new pitch will take some getting used to I’d say – any backspin on a ball when it lands seems to make it hop up straight in the air. First half was entertaining enough but the game died as a spectacle the more Van Graan substituted substitutes in the 2nd half. Thought Hart (super quick ball out if rucks, good box-kicking) , Sweetnam (really skillful and direct as usual and seems to really have bulked up without losing pace – won a load of one-on-one footraces) and Haley (proper player – super hands, very quick and a leader) looked great. JJ was good out of his hands as usual but he left the shooting boots on the bus (missed 2 bad ones before slamming over a drop kick in frustration) – maybe the sight of his old mate Meyler put him off.
Mike Sherry is a player that could have a massive influence this season. Injury has held him back in recent years so he deserves a bit of luck.
@Locojoe: he’ll surely be 3rd choice even if fit – no slight on him just that Rhys Marshall and Niall Scannell are quality players. Delighted to see Sherry playing at all.