The GAA legends are dropping like flies these days.
We’re not sure we can remember a spate of big-name GAA retirements anything like what has happened in recent weeks, with Kilkenny legend JJ Delaney adding his name to the list this morning.
The Fenians clubman is still only 32 years old but after a career that has encapsulated nine All-Ireland medals and seven All-Stars, he’s well within his rights to call it a day on his own terms.
Delaney becomes the fifth Kilkenny player to call it a day since the Cats captured the All-Ireland title in September, with Tommy Walsh, David Herity, Brian Hogan and Aidan Fogarty also announcing their inter-county retirements in recent weeks.
Delaney will certainly be missed by Brian Cody, by his team-mates and by Kilkenny fans next season but he leaves with his place in the pantheon of the all-time hurling greats very much assured.
All the best in your retirement JJ.
You can read Delaney’s statement in full below.
“I wish to announce that I am retiring from the Kilkenny senior hurling panel. I have enjoyed my time being part of such a talented group of players and management teams. I wish to thank Brian Cody and his selectors for allowing me to play hurling at the highest level.
“I also thank the Kilkenny county board for their support on and off the field. Thanks to The GPA they been a great help to my development in both my sporting and professional career.
My father, family, close friends and my girlfriend Aisling have been a huge source of encouragement and support to me over the years. I thank my club The Fenians, my former teachers and various coaches for instilling in me a love for the greatest field game in the world.
“It’s been amazing the encouragement the Kilkenny supporters have given me down through the years and for this I thank you all. I am grateful to my employer Kingspan Insulation for their support.
“I wish the Kilkenny senior hurling panel and management team continued success in the future.”
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