JAMES ‘CHA’ FITZPATRICK is to retire from inter-county hurling, according to reports.
Fitzpatrick wants to take time out to travel and told Kilkenny manager Brian Cody of his plans to quit yesterday.
The player pointed to his inability to secure a regular place in the Kilkenny side as one of the primary reasons behind his decision. He explained:
“I haven’t been able to nail down a place on the team for a while, and as I don’t think I am getting any faster, it is time to go.”
The decision will be seen as a surprise for a player who has won five senior All-Irelands, three National Leagues and three All-Star awards, in addition to being hugely popular amongst fans.
Fitzpatrick captained the team to their third All-Ireland title in a row in 2008, but his career has stalled since then, and he failed to feature in the final this year.
Kilkenny won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship earlier this year, beating Tipperary 2-17 to 1-16 in the final.
