GAA:Eight-time All-Ireland winner Michael Kavanagh has followed the lead of Kilkenny team-mates Eddie Brennan and James 'Cha' Fitzpatick and called an end to his intercounty career.
The Freshford defender, who boasts 13 Leinster titles and an intermediate All-Ireland club title with St Lachtain's, made the Cats senior panel in 1998, but told the Kilkenny Peoplethe time was right to move on.
“There comes a time when you know it is time to go. That time has come for me,” he said Kavanagh.
“Not winning a minor All-Ireland was my one regret,” he joked. “But really, 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.”
The four-time All Star, who has not joined Kilkenny training since it resumed this year, admitted the decision was tough to make.
“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.”