A sad, sad day for hurling lovers everywhere as Richie Power calls time on Kilkenny career

If you like hurling, look away now.

Richie Power has called time on an 11-year inter-county career. Power went through another operation before Christmas - on his knee ligaments - and, after what was his sixth bout of surgery, he was advised to stop hurling with Kilkenny. The Carrickshock forward made just one appearance for the Cats last season but he did so in the All-Ireland final win against Galway in September. Power made his debut for Kilkenny back in the 2005 Leinster semi-final against Offaly and he went on to win eight All-Irelands and nine provincial titles since then. In a touching statement, Power broke the news that no-one wanted to hear. “Following the most recent surgery to my knee I must sadly today announce my retirement from inter county hurling.   Disappointing though this decision is I realise and appreciate the opportunity that I had to play alongside some of the greatest players ever to play the game of hurling and to be part of one of the greatest teams of all time all time managed by the greatest manager of all time Brian Cody. I know also how fortunate I am to be able to look back on so many career highlights including the winning of 2 Colleges, 2 Minor, 2 u21 and 8 senior All Ireland medals as well as being chosen on the All Stars teams in 2010 and 2011. I am deeply grateful to all who helped me during my inter county career  especially Brian, Michael Dempsey our fitness coach, Dr Tadgh Crowley and all the support team in Nowlan Park. I extend a very special thank you to my Mum Ann and Dad Richie Snr for their support and encouragement at all times. It was very special for me to emulate Dad as a minor, u21 and senior All Ireland medal winner. I want to acknowledge and thank the teachers who coached me in Stoneyford National School and in Saint Kieran’s College and all who helped me in my club Carrickshock. Finally I want to say a special word of thanks to Kilkenny Co Board, Kilkenny Supporters club and to all Kilkenny supporters who have been so good to me throughout my career. It has been a truly wonderful journey and while I wouldn’t choose for it to end like this I will forever cherish the memories of my time wearing the Black & Amber and I wish continued success to all who play for Kilkenny in the year and the years ahead”