Pauric Mahony announces his inter-county retirement

Former Waterford captain Pauric Mahony has announced his decision to retire from senior inter-county hurling.

The Ballygunner man confirmed that he will step away from the Waterford panel, bringing down the curtain on a 12-year career during which he won a National Hurling League title in 2015.

Mahony also helped the Deise to the 2017 All-Ireland final where they were edged out by Galway on a 0-26 to 2-17 scoreline.

Mahony was handed his inter-county debut in 2011 by Davy Fitzgerald, who is now back in charge of the Deise for a second spell.

The 30-year-old suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in October of 2020, limiting his involvement with Waterford over the last two years.

However, he has been showing fine form with Ballygunner in recent months and looks set to now focus on his club career, as his side go in search of a tenth successive Waterford Senior Hurling crown this year.

Mahony's decision to step down was confirmed in a short statement which read: "Pauric Mahony has tonight announced his retirement from Inter-County hurling.

"Waterford GAA would like to thank Pauric for his commitment to the Waterford Senior Hurling panel since 2011 and wish him the best of luck in the future.

"Pauric would like to thank the Waterford public for all the support over his career and wishes Davy Fitzgerald and the team the very best of luck for 2023."