Kilkenny's Cillian Buckley retires from inter-county hurling

Three-time All-Ireland winner Cillian Buckley has retired from inter-county hurling at the age of 32.

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng praised Buckley, describing him as a "true servant to Kilkenny".

"I'm honoured to have had the opportunity to work with Cillian and witness first-hand his commitment to excellence and the high standards he held himself to throughout his career.

"Cillian was a brilliant team player with a great attitude and I wish him well in his retirement," Lyng said.

Buckley was drafted into the Kilkenny squad in 2012 when he was 19 years old and went on to make 56 Championship appearances for the Cats, winning two All-Stars in 2014 and 2015.

He won eight Leinster titles to go with the five National League titles he collected in his time in the black and amber. Buckley also captained the 2018 League winning Kilkenny side.

Kilkenny county board chairman PJ Kenny paid tribute to the Dicksboro club man, saying he leaves supporters with "great memories".

"I would like to thank Cillian for his service to Kilkenny and for all the great memories he has given us and all the supporters over the years. I wish Cillian the very best for the future," he said.