KILKENNY’S NOEL HICKEY has tonight announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.
The played enjoyed an illsutrious career with the Black Cats, winning nine All-Ireland SHC medals, six National Leagues and three All-Star awards since joining the panel in 2000.
Aside from Kilkenny teammate Henry Shefflin and former Kilkenny goalkeeper Noel Skehan, no one has won as many All-Irelands as Hickey in the GAA’s history.
The news means that Shefflin is now the only player left from the panel that won Brian Cody’s first All-Ireland.
Ex-Kilkenny hurler Eddie Brennan was among those who paid tribute to Hickey on Twitter, following the announcement.
