Limerick hurling star Richie English explains reason for his retirement

Limerick's five time All-Ireland winner Richie English has announced his retirement from intercounty hurling.

English follows Graeme Mulcahy in stepping away from John Kiely's panel ahead of the 2025 campaign, with Mulcahy confirming his exit in October. The Doon defender has put his decision down to injury issues.

English, 30, was nine years with Limerick's senior panel and was a vital cog in the machine for Kiely in the Treaty County's magnificent run of five All-Ireland titles in six years.

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He also claimed six Munster titles and three National Leagues in a hugely successful career that was also dogged by injury disruption - a cruciate injury ruled him out for most of the 2020 season.

English has released a statement through the Limerick county board confirming the news. "After nine years, the time has come for me to leave the Limerick senior hurling panel," he said. "It has been an honour to be part of this group and we have made incredible memories.

"It is not easy to step away from such a wonderful group but unfortunately my body will not let me get to the levels needed for the coming year.

"Thank you to my family, friends and partner Kathleen for their help and support throughout my career. I would like to thank my clubs Doon and Oola, along with my underage coaches, for their guidance and encouragement over the years.

Limerick's Richie English with Cormac Beausang of Cork in 2023
(Image: ©INPHO/Evan Treacy)

"I would also like to thank the current and former Limerick management teams for giving me the opportunity to wear the green and white of Limerick. In particular I want to thank John and Paul (Kinnerk) along with their backroom teams for bringing me with them on this incredible journey.

"Also I would like to express my gratitude to the medical teams, especially Mark Melbourne and Dr James Ryan, who helped me to recover from the injuries during my career.

"I would like to extend my appreciation to the Limerick county board, Club Limerick and sponsors JP and Noreen Mc Manus for their support to the team during my career.

"I have been very fortunate to play with an incredible group of players who I have shared some of the best days of my life with and to them I will be forever grateful. Finally, I wish the team and management all the best for the 2025 season and beyond."

Limerick GAA chairman Seamus Mc Namara commented: “On behalf of Limerick county board I wish to thank Richie for his enormous contribution to Limerick GAA over the last number of years.

"Richie has had a number of setbacks over the years but has always shown great resolve in getting back to the field where he has excelled. He has been a fantastic ambassador for the County and we wish Richie all the best in the future.”

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