Ryall calls time on Kilkenny career

James Ryall, the Kilkenny defender, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

Ryall, 30, is one of the most decorated defenders in the game, having amassed a remarkable six All-Ireland medals, seven Leinster titles and four Allianz Hurling Leagues.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, he said: "I'd a great time with Kilkenny.

"It was an honour to play for my county and to finish with six All-Ireland medals is something special. You'd have to be happy with that."

Ryall struggled to nail down a starting place in the Kilkenny team in recent years because of persistent injuries, including compartment syndrome.

"The last few years I hadn't been making the team and I was finding it more and more difficult to get in," he added.

"I'd had a few injuries but that was no excuse. When I told Brian (Cody) about my decision I had to be honest not just for the team but for myself as well.

"At the end of it, Brian shook my hand and that was it. We left on the best terms possible. It's the right decision. I've had a lot of great years with Kilkenny and the memories will stay with me forever."