Kilkenny legend Michael Fennelly has brought to an end a fantastic hurling career with club and county.
After captaining Ballyhale Shamrocks to All-Ireland club SHC successes in January, the Ballyhale man said the time his right to step away from the game after numerous injuries over the years.
Michael will be kept busy though on the sidelines in his new role as Offaly hurling manager.
His departure comes in the wake of another big departure from Ballyhale Shamrocks as Henry Shefflin stepped down as manager after their All-Ireland success.
Waterford native James O’Connor takes the reins when the action eventually resumes.