News

Griffin calls time on Banner career

Nov 16, 2009

Former All Star Tony Griffin has retired from inter-county hurling with Clare, citing a number of reasons for his decision.

Central to the 28-year-old’s decision, however, was a lack of confidence in manager Mike McNamara, who has been opposed by the other members of the Banner panel in an ongoing dispute.

Ballyea clubman Griffin also cited a new business venture as part of the reason for his premature retirement.

"In February, I launched a sports management business - Sports Academy International - and its continual growth will mean I will not be able to commit the necessary time to hurling that the modern games demands," he said.

Speaking in an interview with GAA.ie last year, Griffin admitted that he was already thinking about calling time on his inter-county career.

“I know I just won’t be doing this for too long. I definitely won’t be the Brian Corcorans of this world at 38 – at least I don’t think,” he said.

Although he received the personal accolade of an All Star in 2006, Griffin arrived on the scene just after the end of Clare’s glory years in 2001, and his sole reward for seven seasons in the blue and gold was a Waterford Crystal medal in 2009.

Griffin famously sacrificed two seasons – 2007 and 2008 - in the prime of his career to cycle across Canada in aid of charity.

He was introduced to the panel under Cyril Lyons in 2001, and made a name for himself as a stylish forward in the following years.

Last year, however, proved especially disappointing as Clare were dumped out of Munster by Tipperary and then exited the Championship rather tamely with a heavy defeat to Galway in the qualifiers.    

 

< Back to Latest News | More Articles >