Clare's Pádraic 'Podge' Collins announced his retirement from inter-county hurling commitments today. The Cratloe native made his Clare hurling debut in 2012 and, in the same campaign, secured an All-Ireland victory with the Banner in 2013
Following this success, Collins received a hurling All-Star and a nomination for Hurler of the Year but lost out to Clare team-mate Tony Kelly.
The talented hurler also was a proficient footballer for Clare. He played Gaelic football for three seasons from 2014 to 2016 before returning to hurling in 2017.
His retirement was initially disclosed earlier today by Clare FM, as confirmed by his father and former Clare football manager, Colm Collins.
Read the game ✅
Commit ✅
Tackle ✅
Skill ✅
Strength ✅
Acceleration, speed & agility ✅
What a piece of play from Podge Collins in an epic game at the Gaelic Grounds. @GaaClare @LimerickCLG
@GAA_2018_TG4 pic.twitter.com/UURK29Lx7A— Setanta College (@SetantaCollege) March 19, 2018
“He’s had a tough old time with injury and trying to get back and things like that, so it’s just that the time has caught up with him,” Colm Collins told the Irish outlet Independent.ie. “He had a very enjoyable time, and he should be happy with that. He’s had a nice trip with both teams. The amount of work, as you get older, gets harder, especially if you’re a bit injury prone. But, ah listen, as I said, he can’t have any complaints. He had a good innings."
Collins' departure is another significant setback for current Clare manager Mark Fitzgerald. Reportedly, 11 members of this year’s football panel may not be available for the 2024 season.
On a positive note, for Cratloe supporters, Collins is expected to continue his club career with them.
