Kilkenny legend Richie Hogan has retired from inter-county hurling today. The Danesfort club man leaves the county with a legacy of seven All-Ireland titles, a Hurler of the Year award, 11 Leinster titles, and four All-Stars to his name.
Hogan played a pivotal role in Kilkenny's success in the late 2000s and early 2010s, although injuries and challenges in the latter part of his career saw him transition to a substitute role.
Kilkenny's All-Ireland defeat to Limerick in this year's All-Ireland Final was Hogan's last in a 'Cats' shirt.
The midfielder released a statement on Kilkenny GAA's website today:
"For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a Kilkenny hurler. I cannot recall a day in my life where I haven’t thought about what I need to do to get to the highest level of the sport or what I need to do to stay up there. Listening to stories from my grandfather about Kilkenny heroes of the past and watching endless hours of games on repeat from Kilkenny teams in the 90s allowed me to dream," said Hogan.
"Going to games with my brother Paddy to see my father and my uncle Richie playing for their clubs filled me with the inspiration I needed to practice every day and make that dream a reality. I always believed I was born to play hurling, and from the first day I represented Kilkenny as a 12-year-old, I felt like the black and amber colors were woven into my skin. Now that my playing days are over, I look forward to wearing those famous colors as a supporter again.
"I can honestly say that, apart from the obvious exceptions in life, nothing has given me more joy, and nothing has caused me more heartache than playing hurling. Winning 7 All Irelands in the first 9 years of my senior hurling career was amazing, and I will never forget those times or the incredible teammates that I played alongside. The last couple of years have been hugely challenging physically and mentally, but I’ve developed characteristics during that time that will benefit me for the rest of my life.
On behalf of Derek Lyng & his management team & Kilkenny Co Board, we wish Richie Hogan the very best in his retirement from inter county hurling.https://t.co/IVARPdO30i
— Kilkenny GAA (@KilkennyCLG) September 1, 2023
The Kilkenny midfield maestro then went on to thank everyone and anyone who was involved in helping him reach the top of inter-county hurling:
"Thank you to the incredible teammates I have played with over the past 17 years for Kilkenny and 20 years for Danesfort. Playing with you, while sometimes winning and sometimes not, was an incredible honor which I have always appreciated," he added.
"Thank you to our manager Derek Lyng, the Kilkenny backroom team, and especially to the medical teams without whom I would never have made it to the field on so many occasions. Thank you to the Kilkenny county board, our sponsors Glanbia, and to Michael and the Lyng family in MLM.
"Thank you to the GPA for its incredible education and professional support as well as all of the employers I have worked for over my career who accommodated my sporting commitments and always recognized the value of gaining skills on the field and implementing these in the workplace.
"Thank you to my wife Anne, my parents Sean and Liz, my brother Paddy, sisters Rachel and Niamh, my grandparents Eileen, Mick, Bee, and Patsy, and my wider family. Thank you to my former teachers and every GAA volunteer in my club.
"To the people of Kilkenny, thank you for everything. I always think of how lucky I was to be born into a county where my obsession with hurling was equally matched by everyone in our great city. I am incredibly grateful for the support you have given me through both good and challenging times on the pitch. My body has tried to call time on my career many times over the past few years, but my mind always convinced me that the call to represent you was always greater.
"For now, however, don’t call me; I’ll call you."
"Richie," ended the statement.
See More: GAA, Kilkenny, Ritchie Hogan
