David Herity joins Tommy Walsh in retiring from Kilkenny panel

Five-time All-Ireland winner David Herity has retired from the Kilkenny panel aged 31.

The former All Star nominee spent his first three years in the county’s panel initially as third, and then as second choice goalkeeper.

In 2011 he finally made the breakthrough following the retirements of James McGarry and then P. J. Ryan, winning consecutive All-Irelands between the sticks in 2011 and 2012.

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“It has been a great honour for me to have been part of the Kilkenny squad for the past seven years.” Photograph: James Crombie/Inpho.

In a statement released via the GPA on Monday morning Herity announced his retirement from the inter-county game.

“It has been a great honour for me to have been part of the Kilkenny squad for the past seven years and this is not a decision I have arrived at lightly.

An amazing journey

“However, I believe the time is right for me now to move on and I hope to dedicate the remainder of my playing days to my club Dunnamaggin.”

Herity now follows team-mate Tommy Walsh as the second Kilkenny veteran in five days to hang up his hurl.

“My journey as a county player has been truly wonderful - it has been a privilege to have been involved with such an incredible group of hurlers and I am very fortunate to have tasted the ultimate success on the All-Ireland stage.

“I have played against some truly outstanding warriors and I am so proud to have represented my county during such a historic era for Kilkenny hurling.

“It isn’t a journey you travel alone, however, and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the many people who helped me throughout my career - in particular my family and girlfriend whose support underpinned my commitment to Kilkenny hurling.”

Thanks Brian

Just as Walsh did last Thursday, the five-time Leinster championship winner and five-time league winner made special reference to his manager Brian Cody.

“I am deeply grateful to our manager Brian Cody, to our outstanding management and backroom teams and the Kilkenny County Board for all their support.

“Thanks also to all my friends and club mates in Dunnamaggin - to all the people who played a part in my development as a player. Thanks to the staff at Huntstown National School for being so understanding and patient.

“Finally I would like to wish Brian and the Kilkenny squad the very best of luck for the forthcoming season.”

The man better known for his footballing prowess during his younger days started this year's All-Ireland semi-final win over Limerick although he would start neither the drawn or replayed final victory over Tipperary, with 24-year-old Eoin Murphy the preferred choice.