Five-time All-Ireland medal winner Richie English calls time on distinguished Limerick career

FIVE-TIME All-Ireland medal winner with Limerick, Richie English, has called time on his distinguished inter-county career.

All-Star defender English played a key role as Limerick ended their 45-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2018.

Doon clubman English made his senior championship debut for Limerick in 2016. He captained Limerick to a Munster minor hurling title in 2013.

In a statement issued on Thursday night, English said: "After nine years, the time has come for me to leave the Limerick Senior Hurling Panel. 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.

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 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.

Commentating on the news Limerick GAA Chairman Seamus McNamara said: "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"