Tipperary legend Séamus Callanan has decided to retire from inter-county hurling after 16 years.
The Thurles native is regarded as one of the county's best-ever hurlers and helped Tipperary win three All-Irelands - 2010, 2016, 2019 - and a National League title in 2008. He also won 'Hurler of the Year' in 2019 as Tipperary won their second All-Ireland under Liam Sheedy.
However, due to injury troubles in recent years, the 35-year-old's playing time has been shortened as a result. Callanan's last outing for his county was in this year's All-Ireland quarter-final loss to Galway.
A statement released on Tipperary.GAA.ie read, "After 16 years as a Tipperary senior hurler, I have decided to announce my retirement from Inter-County Hurling. Playing for Tipperary has always been a huge privilege for me, and I am very grateful to have had such an enjoyable career with so many great memories.
"The highlight of my playing career was undoubtedly captaining Tipperary to All-Ireland success in 2019. Coming back to Tipperary and Drom and Inch with the Liam McCarthy Cup is something I will treasure forever. I will always be very grateful to Liam Sheedy for entrusting me with the role of captain.
The Tipp legend then went on to thank a number of people in his statement. These include club teammates, family members, his fiancé, his club, and everyone involved in helping him reach the pinnacle of hurling with Tipperary.
— Tipperary GAA (@TipperaryGAA) September 6, 2023
"A special thank you to the Tipperary County Board, Tipperary Supporters Club, Tipperary team sponsors, and the GPA who have always been very supportive. I wish to thank each and every Tipperary supporter, who I am proud to have been able to represent in wearing the blue and gold.
"To my club, Drom and Inch, who laid the foundations for my career, my sincerest thanks to you all. Representing our club on the inter-county stage has been something that has always filled me with immense pride. I couldn't be associated with a better group of people, and I look forward to lining out with Drom and Inch for many years to come.
"My Parents, John and Mary, my sister, Fiona, and my brother John, have been instrumental in the success of my hurling career. Their constant encouragement and guidance throughout the highs and lows have been so greatly appreciated, and there are no words to describe my gratitude to them.
"My fiancée, Lauren, has been another constant support through the highs and the lows and has made many sacrifices to enable me to give my full commitment to hurling. I want to thank her for all she has done for me, and being able to share many successes with her has made my time with Tipperary extra special."
Tipperary senior hurling manager Liam Cahill also thanked Seamus for his outstanding commitment to Tipperary over a long and distinguished career in the blue and gold. Liam said, "I have been privileged to have known and managed Seamus, if only for a short period of time. Seamus leaves us with countless memorable moments and a legacy that will inspire future generations of young hurlers not just in Tipperary but across Ireland. He owes nothing to Tipperary, and I wish him the very best in the future."
