Limerick four-time All-Ireland hurling winner announces his inter-county retirement

LIMERICK All-Ireland SHC winner Barry Hennessy has announced his inter-county retirement.

This Tuesday night, the Kilmallock man released a statement bringing an end to his time in the green and white of Limerick.

Thirty-three year old Hennessy, who has been sub-goalkeeper to Nickie Quaid for much of the last decade, departs with four All-Ireland senior hurling medals.

Hennessy played Harty Cup hurling with Ardscoil Ris and was a county minor in 2007. He then played in goals for the U21 teams of 2009 and 2010 - both years Nickie Quaid was an outfield player on those teams.

In 2008, Hennessy was in goals as Limerick won the Munster IHC - losing the All-Ireland final to Kilkenny.

He made his Limerick senior hurling debut in a Waterford Crystal Cup game in 2010 and his Allianz League debut later that Spring.

Championship appearances were hard to come by as under study to Quaid, who has played every minute of every championship game under John Kiely across the last six seasons.

Hennessy started two Munster SHC games for Limerick in the 2015 season.

Among his inter-county medal collection are four All-Ireland SHC, four Munster SHC and two Allianz League.

Hennessy released the following 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," said Hennessy.

"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," he outlined.

"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 backroom 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."

Limerick GAA chairman Seamus McNamara led the tributes to Hennessy.

"We in Limerick pay huge respect to Barry and all he has achieved over his long and distinguished career. He won his first inter-county medal with Limerick back in 2008 with a Munster Intermediate medal. Since then Barry has given tremendous service to his county. We wish him a happy retirement," said McNamara.