LIMERICK CAPTAIN AND 2013 Munster final man-of-the-match James Ryan, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
Ryan, who was initially omitted from the first panel last November to consider his inter-county future, was announced as the team captain by manager John Kiely at the beginning of this year.
Limerick were subsequently defeated by Clare in the Munster SHC semi-final, and despite giving Kilkenny a tough battle in the qualifiers, they bowed out of the All-Ireland championship in July.
Ryan made his senior debut in 2008, and delivered a man-of-the-match performance when his county defeated Cork in the 2013 Munster decider. It was Limerick’s first senior provincial hurling crown in 17 years.
In a statement published on the Limerick GAA website, the Garryspillane attacker writes:
“I wish to announce my retirement from the Limerick Senior Hurling team. Training & playing for Limerick has played a huge part of my life and I was privileged to have played for my county for so many years.
“I would first like to thank my mam and dad who nurtured my love for sports and supported me all the way through my career.
“I would also like to acknowledge the support from my girlfriend Amie, family & friends which was immense throughout my career and I am forever grateful to them for that.
“For me it all started with my clubs Garryspillane in Hurling and Galbally in football, I would like to thank both for the support they have given me over the years it is very much appreciated. I look forward to giving more time to both into the future.
“In Limerick we have a fantastic support base and I would like to thank all the Limerick fans who have supported the teams through thick and thin.
“To the Limerick County Board and Coaching & Games as my employers I am forever grateful and I would like to acknowledge I have been well looked after in every way throughout my playing career.
“I would like to thank my work colleagues, the teachers, schools, clubs and their officials who have facilitated me during my playing days.
“I am eternally grateful to the all Limerick Management teams I have worked with over the years. I wish John, his Management team and the Panel the very best into the future. It was an honour to captain my County.
“Finally, I would like to mention a special word of thanks to Mr Ger Power (RIP) who was my primary school teacher. He was a huge influence in school, in sport and in life, without him I would never have played for Limerick.”
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