Former Limerick hurling manager TJ Ryan pays tribute to Richie English

FORMER Limerick senior hurling manager TJ Ryan knew straight away in 2016 that Richie English was going to be a special defender.

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

All-Star defender English played a key role as Limerick ended their 45-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2018.
English won six Munster championships and three national hurling league medals during his nine year inter-county career.

Doon clubman English made his senior championship debut for Limerick in 2016. He captained Limerick to a Munster minor hurling title in 2013, bridging a gap of 29 years for success at that age grade.

Two years later Doon clubman English was named the U21 Player of the Championship as the Treaty men conquered the age grade for the first time since the decorated side of the early 2000s.

Paying tribute to English, former Limerick player and manager TJ Ryan said the Doon's player potential as a senior inter-county player was obvious from the time he played at under-age level.

“Richie was to the forefront of that new superwave of underage talent that came through all at one time,” TJ Ryan told Leader Sport.

“He was captain of the minors and he was sticking out from a period back that he was going to be a contender for a Limerick senior jersey” said Ryan.

“If you go back to 2018, he was a key part of that. He probably played his best for Limerick then. He was a vital part of the resurgence of Limerick hurling in that era leading the charge.

“You knew that he was going to be around for a long time. Unfortunately those injuries took their toll on the body.

“You’ve seen by his haul of medals, he’s been around for the best of it. Even what he did for his club Doon in 2024 winning the county championship, he played some of his best hurling for them.”

In a statement issued on Thursday night, English said his decision to retire from inter-county hurling was not an easy one to make, but his body would no longer let him get to the levels he wished to reach.

“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.”

Richie English suffered two unfortunate cruciate knee injuries since the start of 2020.

English added in his statement: “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 (Kiely) 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.”

English's decorated hurling career has also seen him play a key role in the Mary Immaculate College side that claimed the Fitzgibbon Cup in 2016 and 2017.

Meanwhile, the Limerick senior hurling squad is preparing for the start of the 2025 competitive season.

In Division 1A of the 2025 Allianz Hurling League, Munster champions Limerick have a bye in the opening weekend of league fixtures at the end of January as the group contains seven counties.

Limerick will begin their campaign when travelling to Leeside to face All-Ireland finalists Cork in their opening fixture at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, February 1, 7.30pm.

Eight days later, on Sunday, February 9, Limerick host local rivals Tipperary in Division 1A at the TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3.45pm throw-in