Gaelic Games

Colm Galvin calls time on Clare intercounty career due to injury

All-Ireland and All Star winner has struggled with a persistent groin strain

Clare’s Colm Galvin and John Conlon celebrate with the Liam MacCarthy Cup after the win over Cork in 2013. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

Seán Moran's face
Seán Moran
Fri Feb 4 2022 - 18:55

Clare All-Ireland winner Colm Galvin has retired from intercounty hurling. The 29-year old was a key influence on the county's 2013 success. One of the generation of hurlers, who won both senior and three successive under-21 All-Ireland medals, 2012-14, he was also an All Star the year of the MacCarthy triumph.

The Clonlara clubman made his senior championship debut in the 2012 defeat of Dublin in Ennis and his career also included a league medal in 2016 after a replay with Waterford. He decided to call time on his intercounty involvement because of a persistent groin injury.

“It’s a scenario that I never thought or hoped would ever happen but unfortunately following a succession of injuries and repeated setbacks, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to retire from intercounty hurling,” said Galvin.

“A decade on from making my senior championship debut against Dublin in Cusack Park, I’d love to have continued on playing for Clare but after ongoing conversations with Brian [Lohan], realistically my body just isn’t able for the workload required at the highest level any longer.

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“Central to this is a persistent groin injury that has never healed properly which has proven extremely frustrating as well as mentally draining.

Colm Galvin has called time on his intercounty career with Clare due to a persistent groin injury. Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho

“It is not easy to step away from the panel, many of which I have hurled alongside since our formative years in a Clare jersey but I sincerely wish the lads and management all the very best for 2022 and beyond.

“My focus now is to try and get rehabilitated for my club Clonlara who, along with my parents Kevin and Geraldine, my fiance Orlaith, siblings Ciara and Ian, friends and extended family, have been so supportive to me throughout my intercounty career.

“I have been blessed to have played with so many great players and equally fortunate to have been coached and managed by people who have given of their all for the county.

“As a result, I’ve been able to fulfil my lifelong dreams of playing at all levels for Clare and made some truly unforgettable memories along the way.

“Knowing the commitment and talent that we have, hopefully there’s much more to come from Brian and the lads in the near future.

“It’s up to Ian to carry the torch for the family now. No pressure.”

Colm Galvin