TIPPERARY FORWARD GEARÓID Ryan has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling at the age of 28.
The Templederry Kenyons man leaves the setup with two All-Ireland medals in his back pocket, although his appearances have been limited in recent seasons due to persistent injury problems which saw him undergo surgery on both hips in 2013.
Ryan’s announcement makes him the second Tipp hurler to step away from the inter-county game this week after Paddy Stapleton revealed his intentions yesterday. Conor O’Brien also announced his inter-county retirement last month.
Ryan won a minor All-Ireland with Tipp in 2006 and just three years later made his senior debut against Cork in a league match.
“Having enjoyed eight years on the Tipperary senior hurling panel since I first joined it in 2009, I have decided to announce my retirement,” Ryan, who started at wing-forward in the Premier County’s 2010 All-Ireland success against Kilkenny, said.
“In recent years injuries have limited my ability to compete for a first-15 place and that has been a major factor in my decision.
“It has been a great honour for me to represent my county at senior level.
“I will greatly miss being involved with the Tipperary senior hurling panel, all of whom I admire greatly.
“I have many great memories and made many lifelong friendships during my time on the panel.
“I want to thank all the players sincerely and I also want to thank the managers and backroom teams who gave me the honour of representing my county and were always very supportive of me.
“I wish Tipperary well for the future, I have no doubt this team will go on to achieve many more great successes.”
Ryan won five Munster championship medals, two All-Irelands and was nominated for All-Stars in 2010 and 2011.
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