This time it's for good.
We thought the era of retirements in the GAA world had come to an end, but this morning a genuine hurling legend has decided to call it a day for the second time. Niall Moran was part of the Limerick panel that drew with Waterford in last week's opening Allianz League clash in the Gaelic Grounds, but today has revealed he'll play no further part for the Shannonsiders this season.
Today is the second time that the teacher at Ard Scoil Rís has decided to quit inter-county action, having previously announced his decision at the end of 2013. He was coaxed back into the fold by manager TJ Ryan, but has now announced he's quitting for good.
Moran was involved in all of Limerick's Waterford Crystal Cup games in January and started last Saturday's night's draw against the Deise, but the right wing forward was withdrawn after just 27 minutes.
The Ahane clubman has revealed that he feels he is not up to the pace of inter county action anymore and he does not have the time to commit to further training to improve his chances of keeping his place in the side,
'Having played the last four games I felt myself that I wasn’t getting to the pitch of where I needed to be at this level and time constraints outside of hurling weren't going to give me the leverage to put in even more time.'
Moran made his debut in 2003, while he racked up 46 championships appearances, just two behind the record holder Mark Foley.
Speaking to the Limerick Leader today, Moran admitted that he felt it was better to quit now than holding the panel back,
'I felt it best to be honest now and not become a passenger in a setup loaded with ambition and talent. The margins for victory don’t allow for that.'
Moran is regarded as one for the finest hurlers from Limerick in a generation,with the half-forward one-third of the famous Moran family after brothers Ollie and James also lined out for their county.
The 31-year-old claimed a Munster senior title with the county in 2013 and two senior club titles with Ahane.
H/T
Limerick Leader
