With the GAA world in a tailspin as Kilkenny great TJ Reid calls time on his playing days with the Cats, we dig through Sportsfile's archives to reflect on a career unlike any other.
With an honours list as long as your arm, strap in for a blast from the past! TJ retires he highest-scoring player in All-Ireland senior hurling championship history. He has seven All-Ireland SHC titles with Kilkenny, and seven All-Stars. Check out the pictures below!
In an emotional statement on social media this evening, TJ said that after 20 seasons in black and amber, he had decided to bring his Kilkenny senior hurling career to an end.
“Walking away from something that has been such a huge part of my life is not easy, but I leave with immense pride and no regrets. When I first wore the Kilkenny jersey in 2007, I never imagined I would still be representing my county two decades later. It has been the greatest privilege of my life,” he said.
“To my father, Seán, and my mother, Mary, thank you for your unwavering support and bringing me all over the country. Mammy, I only wish you could have seen everything that followed. Rest in peace. I hope I made you both proud.
“To my brothers, Patrick, Eoin and Richie, from the family farm to the greatest stages with Ballyhale and Kilkenny, we shared unforgettable memories. The bond we have means more than any medal.
“To my wife, Niamh, thank you for every sacrifice, your endless support and for always allowing me to give everything to hurling. I could never have done this without you.
“Harper and Seán Óg, you are my greatest pride. Harper, I will always treasure you watching me in the Kilkenny jersey. Seán Óg, I look forward to making many more memories together.
“I am indebted to Joe Dunphy, Scoil Phádraig, Ballyhale, St Kieran’s College and everyone involved in my early career
“To Ballyhale Shamrocks, my club and home, thank you for giving me my love of the game. The pride of representing you will never fade.
“To every coach, manager, backroom team, teammate and physio, thank you for the friendships, sacrifices and battles. To the Kilkenny supporters and County Board, thank you for your loyalty and support. I endeavoured to play the game in a sporting manner and represent you as best I could
“The victories and medals will always be special, but it is the people, friendships and privilege of representing my county that I will cherish most.
“I have given everything I could to Kilkenny hurling and never taken the jersey for granted. I hope I have done it justice, honoured those who came before me and upheld the traditions of this great sport. The boots may be hung up for Kilkenny, but the pride and love for Kilkenny hurling will remain forever. “
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