Tipperary's Padraic Maher has been forced to retire from hurling on medical grounds.
Maher won All-Irelands with Tipperary in 2010, 22016, and 2019, in a career which spanned 13 seasons. He also won six All-Star awards.
"It is not the end I would have wished for, but the time has come for me to announce my retirement from hurling," Maher said in a statement.
"Unfortunately, I recently received medical advice regarding a neck injury, and I have been advised to step away from contact sport. It is heartbreaking to have to make this decision, but it’s the most important one for me and my health moving forward.
"Representing Tipperary has been my lifelong dream and I am truly honoured and privileged to have played for Tipperary for 13 seasons. I have made some truly great friends and met some great people. I have made memories that will stick with me for the rest of my days. While I truly wished this could have lasted a bit longer, I am glad that I can look back and know that I gave everything I had for the blue and gold jersey."
Neck injury forces Padraic Maher to retire from hurling
18 August 2019; Tipperary's Ronan, left, and Padraic Maher lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup after the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Final match against Kilkenny at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
The garda also thanked his "beloved club Thurles Sarsfields".
"What you have all done for my career is unbelievable," said Maher.
"The support I received, the great years on the field and the memories we have, I will cherish for the rest of my days. While I might not get to put on that famous blue jersey anymore, I will never be too far away from ‘The Outside Field’."
He added: "One of my highlights was getting to play with my brother Ronan. We have made memories that will last us a lifetime. I will be your biggest supporter now and will continue to follow your already remarkable career with excitement."
Featured image: 18 August 2019; Padraic Maher of Tipperary following the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship Final match between Kilkenny and Tipperary at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
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