Richie McCarthy announces inter county retirement

Limerick’s senior hurlers will be without the services of Blackrock’s Richie McCarthy after he announced his retirement from inter county action.

McCarthy was a cult hero with the Limerick fans and represented his county for 11 years and was part of the panel that won the All-Ireland in 2018.

He was also part of the group that took part in the 2019 New York Hurling Classic. McCarthy released the following statement this afternoon.

“Today I am announcing my retirement from the Limerick Senior Hurling team. It has been an incredible 11 year journey but the time is right for me to now step away.

“It is the greatest honour for any GAA player to wear their county colours but it has also been the wild dreams of a youngster from Kilfinane.

“To all of my teammates who have worked so hard to achieve what we have achieved, all I can say is thank you, it has been a pleasure.

“I am left with many great memories including the greatest of all when I was able to lift the Liam McCarthy in front of Hill 16.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge the immeasurable contribution of the many management, medical and back room teams I have been with for over a decade as well as the help and support I received from the Limerick County Board.

“Thank you also to my club Blackrock for your support and belief in me as a player.

“To the supporters of Limerick, I want to say a huge thank you. Your continued belief and support of us is everything that makes playing for Limerick so special.

“Finally, to my family, my parents Henry and Ann and in particular my partner Ruth who have been an enormous support  to me and who I owe so much to.

“I would like to wish John, Declan and all the panel the very best for the coming year. I look forward to playing with Blackrock for many years to come.”

McCarthy follows Paul Browne into retirement after the Bruff clubman announced last week that his time as a Limerick hurler was also at an end.