Inter-county hurling is an incredible commitment in the modern game. Between matches, training, and gym sessions, you could be on the road five or six times a week for a massive chunk of the year. Considering that, it is not surprising that many players are stepping away from the top level before they reach their mid-30s.
Of course, that isn't to say that their hurling days are over.
The vast majority of players soldier on at club level for a number of years after their inter-county retirement, often providing moments of magic well after their days in Croke Park are gone.
Eoin Kelly provides masterclass in Tipperary championship
Tipperary legend Eoin Kelly is a prime example.
Now 40-years old, the six-time All-Star stepped away from the county setup in 2014. However, he is still making an impact at club level.
He came off the bench late on for Mullinahone in their Tipperary SHC clash against Toomevara yesterday, with his team trailing by five points at the time.
What followed was an Eoin Kelly masterclass. Before the end of the game he would score 1-1, helping to set up another goal as his club captured what looked like an unlikely draw.
You can watch their dramatic comeback below, including a bit of controversy around his penalty. It initially looked as though the ball had gone wide, although the umpires would go on to say that the ball had gone through the bottom corner of the net. Despite protests from the Toomevara players, the green flag was eventually raised.
It looked like the correct call.
With 6 mins left in the first round of the @TipperaryGAA Senior hurling championship, @mullinahonegaa introduced an injured 40 year old Eoin Kelly. By the final whistle the sides were level and he had scored 1-1 and an assist. 🐐 @LiamLsheedy @DaloAnto @GAA__JOE @ballsdotie pic.twitter.com/w3wKv3OELk
— Paul Jenkins (@Paul_Jenkins1) July 23, 2022
Some performance.
Eoin Kelly has won the senior county title on one pervious occasion, defeating Thurles Sarsfield in the final after a replay back in 2002. While Mullinahone have not quite hit such heights since, they would win the intermediate championship a couple of years ago.
While he has no longer at his peak, this will be a timely reminder to other clubs in the competition what the forward can do if given the opportunity.
There's nothing better than to see one of the best hurlers in the country over the last couple of decades still going strong at that age.
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