'The greatest privilege of my life' - Kilkenny's TJ Reid announces inter-county retirement
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TJ Reid has announced his inter-county retirement from Kilkenny hurling after 20 seasons.
Kilkenny and Shamrocks Ballyhale forward, TJ Reid has announced his inter-county retirement.
Making his debut in 2007, Reid collected seven All-Irelands, 14 Leinster Championships, five National Leagues and seven All-Stars over a decorated two decades in the black and amber.
“After 20 seasons in black and amber, I have decided to bring my Kilkenny senior hurling career to an end,” Reid said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
“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,” the seven-time All-Ireland winner explained.
“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 Shamrocks forward added.
“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.”