Clare stalwart Paul Flanagan hangs up his hurl

Clare's two-time All-Ireland winning defender Paul Flanagan has retired from inter-county hurling.

The Ballyea man, who turned 32 earlier this month, was captain when he and the Banner retained the Under-21 title in 2013, and a non-playing substitute for that year's Liam MacCarthy triumph.

He made his senior debut the following year but, hampered by injuries, had to wait until 2020 for his first championship start, in a qualifier against Laois.

Flanagan made the most of the belated opportunity and was was nominated for an All-Star in 2022 but found his game time limited again this year - only featuring as a sub in the Munster round-robin games against Limerick and Cork - as Adam Hogan and Conor Leen made the corner-back spots their own in Clare's march to the All-Ireland title.

"It has been the honour of my life. Thank you for the support and opportunity along the way," Flanagan said, in a message posted by Clare GAA on social media.

Clare GAA said: "We wish Paul all the best in his retirement. He has been a fantastic player, leader, ambassador, and team-mate throughout his 11-year senior career in saffron and blue.

"Anyone who has shared a dressing room with Paul will attest that he has embodied all a Clare supporter could wish for in a hurler. We thank him sincerely for his dedication and commitment in addition to the wonderful days of hurling he has delivered.

"All in Clare GAA congratulate Paul as one of our most decorated players in terms of silverware and wish him continued success with his club Ballyea and in all aspects of his future."

Flanagan also won two Allianz Hurling League titles and has four county/one Munster club crowns to his name with Ballyea.