Kilkenny’s Paul Murphy has called time on his inter-county playing career with the Cats at the age of 31.
Murphy released a short statement online on Friday morning, paying particular tribute to his teammates, management and family through the years.
An honour and a privilege. Sin é!🖤💛 pic.twitter.com/2JNBU5bx8a
— Paul Murphy (@PaulMurphykk) January 15, 2021
“The time has come to announce my retirement from the Kilkenny Senior Hurling Team”, says Murphy.
“For as long as I can remember, it has been my dream to hurl for Kilkenny and I am proud to say I live that dream.”
“Thanks to all my teammates down through the years and the journey you brought me on. It’s a privilege to have hurled not only with but against some of the greatest players ever to play the game, a memory which I will always cherish. I would also like to thank the management teams that have given me the opportunities over the years and the county board and supporters club for all your hard work and dedication to Kilkenny GAA.”
“To my mother Marian, my late father Tommy and my sister Katie, a special thanks for believing in me and inspiring me to follow my dream. A special thank you to all my relatives and friends also”
“To my Fiancée, Éadaoin, for all your support & encouragement throughout this journey.”
“To my club, Danesfort, the players, coaches & supporters that have brought me from underage to the present day, the spirit which we have in the club is unrivalled and I look forward to many more years wearing the black and amber of our club. Our best days are yet to come.”
“To the Defence Forces and all my friends & colleagues within the organisation for your encouragement & support, especially all in 3 Inf Bn, Kilkenny.”
“I would also like to thank Quinn Motors, Castlecomer, & Sheridan Insurances for all your support.”
“Finally, to the Kilkenny supporters, your passion and spirit is, and has always been, incredible. It has been the greatest joy to represent you down through the years. Up the Cats!”
A decade of inter-county action
Murphy, turning 32 at the end of this month, broke into the Kilkenny team ten years ago (2011), playing 94 times for the county.
His league and championship debuts both came against Wexford in that year.
In that decade he’s collected four senior All-Ireland titles (2011, 2012, 2013 and 2015) and four All-Star awards in the same years. He was also part of the Kilkenny setup that claimed a further four Leinster titles and three National Hurling League titles.
Murphy’s touring duty with the Defence Forces meant he was absent for both the 2018 and 2019 league campaigns.
The Danesfort man’s retirement is the first of the post-season for Kilkenny since Brian Cody was ratified for a 23rd season in charge of the Cats.
