Limerick keeper announces intercounty retirement after glittering career

The goalkeeper has four All Ireland medals to go with as many Limerick SHC titles.

Limerick goalkeeper Barry Hennessy has announced his retirement from intercounty hurling after releasing a statement on Tuesday night.

Hennessy has been a part of Limerick’s unprecedented success winning four All-Ireland titles, four Munster championships, two league titles during his time with the Treaty men.

The Kilmallock man has also won four senior hurling championship medals with his club as well as a Munster title in 2014.

Hennessy first came to prominence as a 20-year-old keeper for the Limerick Intermediate team that reached the All-Ireland final in 2008.

He made his senior debut in the 2010 Waterford Crystal Cup before being dropped from the panel later that year. 

He returned to the set up in 2014 under TJ Ryan and made his championship debut in the 2015 Munster Championship against Tipperary with the ever-present Nickie Quaid absent.

Hennessy was an integral member of the Kilmallock side that won the SHC in 2021 before reaching the final of the competition again in October. 

His retirement was announced on the Limerick GAA website as Hennessy described his career as a “childhood dream.”

Full Statement

“What started off a childhood dream in the back garden I now sit here and reflect on ten incredible years with some incredible men. Even though the time has come for me to retire and leave such an extraordinary group, I look back on the last ten years with nothing but pride. Being afforded the opportunity to represent my county on the biggest stage has been a massive honour for both me and my family.

“Words cannot describe what the limerick family mean to me and the opportunity I was given to grow as both a player and as a person. I’m incredibly thankful to walk away with some of the best memories and friendship anyone could ever ask for.

“I would like to take this time to thank the following

“To the Limerick players of the past- thank you for being the inspiration to pick up a Hurley in the back garden and aspire to be like you. To the players of the present – you are an incredible group of men living the times of your lives. Cherish it and inspire the next generation.

“To my family- thank you for the endless support through the good times and the not so good times, especially to my wife Elaine and daughters Hope and Pippa- words cannot describe how lucky I am to have your support and endless sacrifices to allow me to follow my dreams . I look forward to our next adventure together and the memories yet to be made.

“To my club Kilmallock- thank you for your constant support and providing the platform for me to go forward and represent my club and county. Special thank you to Jim Moloney , Mike O Connor, Paddy Kelly and Tony Considine for the time and effort you gave me in making me the player I am today.

“To all the Limerick management teams both past and present. Thank you for having the confidence in me to go forward and live my dreams. From Justin McCarthy giving me my league debut in 2010 to TJ Ryan handing me my championship debut in 2015. Thank you.

“To John , Paul and all the back room team. Thank you for your trust and faith in me. You are an incredible group of people that are the unsung heroes. Thank you for making me a better player and a better person.

“A special mention has to go to the goalkeeping crew over the years. Christy O Connor , Timmy Houlihan , Jimmy Quilty, Alan Feely , Ruari Maher , Denny Aherne, Kieran Hickey and Seanie O Donnell. Thank you for making me a better goalkeeper.

“To the county board , Siobhan , Liam , Mike and John in particular. Thank you for always been at the end of the phone and going above and beyond for me.

“To JP , Noreen and all the McManus family. A sincere thank you for your generosity to both my family and I, as well as the continued support for all in Limerick GAA. It’s greatly appreciated.

“Finally to the Limerick supporters. Representing you has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Thank you for the memories.

“Happy Christmas to all.

“Luimneach Abu.

“Barry Hennessy”