“Nothing has given me more joy and nothing has caused me more heartache than playing hurling.”
Kilkenny legend Richie Hogan has officially retired from inter-county hurling, and his statement is as powerful as you will ever see.
At 35 years of age, the seven-time All-Ireland winner has worn the black and yellow jersey for the final time, first putting it on at senior level way back in 2007.
This is a man who has won everything in the game, including the Player of the year award, and by 2015 he had seven All-Irelands in his pocket, and looked ready to continue his dominance.
However, the latter stages of his career were plagued with injuries and the rise of the all-winning powerhouse that this is Limerick, but Hogan was still fantastic, even in the more troubled years.
“I can honestly say that apart from the obvious exceptions in life, nothing has given me more joy and nothing has caused me more heartache than playing hurling,” Hogan said in his statement.
Richie Hogan exits the big stage & what a servant he was to @KilkennyCLG pic.twitter.com/nCUqowehRO
— Damian Lawlor (@LawlorDamian) September 1, 2023
“Winning seven All-Irelands in the first nine years of my senior hurling career was amazing, and I will never forget those times or the incredible teammates that I played alongside.
“The last couple of years have been hugely challenging physically and mentally, but I’ve developed characteristics during that time that will benefit me for the rest of my life.
“To the people of Kilkenny, thank you for everything,” Hogan wrote. “I always think of how lucky I was to be born into a county where my obsession with hurling was equally matched by everyone in our great city.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support you have given me through both good and challenging times on the pitch.
“My body has tried to call time on my career many times over the past few years but my mind always convinced me that the call to represent you was always greater.
“For now however, don’t call me, I’ll call you.”
A true a statement from a warrior who gave everything for the Kilkenny cause, and his absence will be a loss not only to his county, but the game of hurling as a whole.
Related:
- Davy Fitzgerald on what would happen if Kilkenny’s four-in-a-row team played Limerick
- “100% there still a place for him” – Davy Fitzgerald hails Kilkenny half forward Tom Phelan
- GAA’s new maximum hurl length wouldn’t have suited Kilkenny legends
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