Gearoid Ryan has followed in the footsteps of Conor O'Brien and Paddy Stapleton by becoming the third Tipperary player to retire from inter-county hurling since the Premier County's All-Ireland Final success in September.

The Templederry Kenyons club-man is just 28 years of age, but in recent years has been bedevilled by groin and hip injuries that required two bouts of surgery.

A member of the Tipperary senior panel since 2009, the hard-working and stylish half-forward won two All-Ireland senior medals, five Munster senior medals, and was twice nominated for an All-Star.

In a statement released yesterday by the Tipperary County board, Ryan admitted his injury woes had prompted his decision to retire.

He said: “Having enjoyed 8 years on the Tipperary senior hurling panel since I first joined it in 2009, I have decided to announce my retirement.

"In recent years injuries have limited my ability to compete for a first 15 place and that has been a major factor in my decision. It has been a great honour for me to represent my county at senior level.

"I will greatly miss being involved with the Tipperary senior hurling panel all of whom I admire greatly. I have many great memories and made many lifelong friendships during my time on the panel. I want to thank all the players sincerely and I also want to thank the managers and backroom teams who gave me the honour of representing my county and were always very supportive of me.

"I am very grateful to Tipperary County Board and Tipperary Supporters Club for their unstinting support of the team. My club, Templederry Kenyons, have always given me tremendous support and I thank them sincerely for that.

"My eternal gratitude is due to Laura, my parents and family for their great loyalty and encouragement at all times.

"Finally, I wish Tipperary well for the future, I have no doubt this team will go on to achieve many more great successes."

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