Kilkenny great Richie Hogan announces retirement aged 35

Former Hurler of the Year Richie Hogan has announced his retirement from the inter-county game at the age of 35.

In his departing statement, the seven-time All-Ireland winner reflected on the "amazing" success of his first nine seasons as a county player, though acknowledged that the last few years had been "hugely challenging, mentally and physically."

Having been drafted into the Kilkenny senior panel initially in 2007, Hogan had racked up a remarkable seven All-Ireland titles by 2015.

The second half of his career, during which he often struggled with injury, was a leaner period for both player and team, though there were still flashes of brilliance, most notably with his stunning cameo to turn around the 2020 Leinster final against Galway.

Just when the game looked to be getting away from them, Richie Hogan drags Kilkenny back into with a wonderfully taken goal. Kilkenny 1-15 Galway 0-20. Watch highlights on The Sunday Game at 9.30pm on @rte2 #rtegaa #thesundaygame pic.twitter.com/c6yPTyoICx

He was introduced in the 65th minute of this year's All-Ireland final, with Kilkenny already bound for certain defeat against a rampant Limerick.

"I can honestly say that apart from the obvious exceptions in life, nothing has given me more joy and nothing has caused me more heartache than playing hurling," Hogan said in his statement.

"Winning seven All-Irelands in the first nine years of my senior hurling career was amazing, and I will never forget those times or the incredible teammates that I played alongside.

"The last couple of years have been hugely challenging physically and mentally, but I've developed characteristics during that time that will benefit me for the rest of my life."

During the late 2000s bonanza for Kilkenny