Its been confirmed that Richie Power has retired from Intercounty hurling.
LISTEN: Richie Power speaks to KCLR on injuries, retirement and career.
The Carrickshock man released a statement this morning that he’s hanging up his boots after picking up 8 All Ireland medals in his careers since 2005.
He recently underwent surgery on his knee.
BREAKING – Official Kilkenny GAA’s Richie Power retires from Intercounty hurling.
Posted by KCLR96FM on Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Richie Power Retirement Statement In Full
“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”
Statement from Kilkenny County Board
Ned Quinn, on behalf of Kilkenny GAA, thanked Richie for his tremendous contribution to Kilkenny hurling and wished him well for the future in a statement released via KilkennyGAA.ie.
Kilkenny County Board expresses its thanks to Richie Power who has been forced to prematurely retire from inter county hurling due to an ongoing knee injury. Supremely talented, Richie has been one of our outstanding forwards over the past ten years and was on the winning team in 8 of the 9 senior All Ireland finals that he played in. He also won 2 Minor and 2 u21 All Ireland medals along with 9 Leinster & 6 National League awards and was chosen on the All Star teams of 2010 & 2011. By winning All Ireland Medals at Minor, u21 & Senior levels he emulated the achievements of his father Richie Snr making them one of the few father and son combinations to have won All Ireland Medals in all 3 grades. We wish Richie well for the future and hope to see him continue his involvement in the game at some other level in the years ahead.
Reaction To Richie Power’s Retirement
I can safely say @power_richie was the most skill full hurler I ever saw or ever played wit.it was a pleasure.good luck bud.#enjoy
— Eoin Larkin (@11larky) January 19, 2016
Few,if any,came even close to the skill @power_richie showed at training and on the biggest stage. Congrats on an unreal career 👏🏻
— David Herity (@DavidHerity) January 19, 2016
Best wishes to @power_richie on his retirement from @KilkennyCLG – a fantastic hurler & gentleman #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/vRDB7783rA
— GPA (@gaelicplayers) January 19, 2016
Good bye to a good friend and one of the best stick man in the game. U will be sadly missed bud. #Talent #vision #pureclass @power_richie
— TJ Reid (@_tjreid) January 19, 2016
The best man to moan & give out but without doubt the most skilful forwards to have played with, congrats and enjoy retirement @power_richie
— Jackie Tyrrell (@MrJackieTee) January 19, 2016
The most naturally talented hurler I've played with. Incredible 1st touch & vision. Enjoy retirement @power_richie. #pureclass #teammate
— Brian Hogan (@hogie81) January 19, 2016
