Kilkenny’s eight-time All-Ireland winning defender, Michael Kavanagh has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. The 32-year-old has followed the example of fellow team-mates, James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick, PJ Ryan and Eddie Brennan in leaving the Cats panel following last year’s All-Ireland success. Kavanagh, Brennan and their team-mates Henry Shefflin and Noel Hickey made history last September when they joined Christy Ring and John Doyle as the only hurlers to win eight All-Ireland titles. The St Lachtain’s clubman is one of the most decorated players in hurling history, having also won four All Star awards, 13 Leinster titles and five National Hurling League medals with the Cats. The tenacious corner-back, who won his medal as a substitute last year, has described his retirement as “a painful decision” after he was allowed extra time to make his mind up by Brian Cody, but says that now is the “time for me to hand over to the next generation”. Kavanagh told the Kilkenny People: “How could I have regrets? I arrived for a golden era in Kilkenny hurling and I got to play with and against some players who will forever be remembered as giants of the game.” He also knows that the future of Kil
Michael Kavanagh is one of the most decorated hurlers in history ©INPHO
kenny hurling remains secure: “It is a big decision, a painful decision, but everyone knows the end of the road has to come some time,” he added. “Kilkenny are in a good place now, and it is time for me to hand over to the next generation. I made the best contribution I could, and I enjoyed every moment of it. The years just flew by.”
