By Cian O'Connell

Kilkenny's Richie Hogan has retired from inter-county hurling.

During a decorated career with Kilkenny, Hogan, Hurler of the Year in 2014, won seven All-Ireland titles, 11 Leinster championships, five Allianz Hurling League medals, and four All-Stars.

Danesfort clubman Hogan made his Kilkenny championship debut in 2008 against Offaly and recently featured in the 2023 All-Ireland SHC Final defeat to Limerick.

"For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a Kilkenny hurler," Hogan said in a statement released by Kilkenny GAA on Friday morning.

"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. 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 practise everyday 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 colours were woven into my skin. Now that my playing days are over I look forward to wearing those famous colours as a supporter again."

Hogan relished representing Kilkenny. "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," he adds.

"Winning seven All Irelands in the first nine 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."