Clare All-Ireland winner Podge Collins retires

Clare All-Ireland winner Pádraic 'Podge' Collins has confirmed to RTÉ Sport that he has decided to call time on his inter-county career.

The 31-year-old made his Banner debut in 2012 and won a Celtic Cross in his second season, scoring three points from play in the drawn final with Cork and starting in attack for the thrilling replay win.

The Cratloe man was rewarded for his brilliant performances that season with an All-Star as well as a nomination for Hurler of the Year, although he lost out to Clare team-mate Tony Kelly.

In recent seasons, the talented dual star, who also has a brace of All-Ireland under-21 hurling medals, has turned his focus solely towards football with the Banner making progress under the guidance of his father, Colm.

The Clare boss stepped down in the off season having spent 10 seasons in charge, although he remained in charge of Cratloe and guided them to a first Clare football title in nine years in October with a two-point win over St Breckan’s with Podge Collins excelling.

He was also their star man in 2014 - scoring 1-05 across the two finals - as the club completed a famous football and hurling Banner double. They came close to securing a first Munster hurling title for the club, losing out to Limerick's Kilmallock in an extra-time thriller.