Tipp's 2019 glory still fresh in Callanan's mind

Three-time All-Ireland senior hurling winner Séamus Callanan called time on an illustrious career on Wednesday and admits that it's only now that the magnitude of his achievements is setting in.

The Tipperary great this week brought the curtain down on a 16-year spell as a senior inter-county hurler.

Callanan enjoyed a stellar career leading the line for the Premier County, lifting Liam MacCarthy in 2010, 2016 and 2019, along with a National League title in 2008. He was named Hurler of the Year in 2019, as Tipp, with him as captain, won a second Liam MacCarthy Cup under Liam Sheedy.

The 35-year-old had been beset by injuries in recent seasons and went into this summer’s championship knowing that it would be his last.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he confirmed he'd already decided to retire from the inter-county scene at the start of the campaign, but admitted it’s still a wrench to walk away from the county he served so well.

"It was a difficult thing to do," said Callanan. "I had my mind made up for the last year but at the same time, when it’s final, it’s a very difficult day.

"I have no regrets after it all. I gave everything I could to the Tipperary jersey, I’m very proud of that and very happy with the contributions I made.

"I’ve made lifelong friends and that’s genuine, people have been very good to me.

"I had a great time, it’s the best journey I was ever on and here’s to the next chapter."

The knowledge that he would be announcing his retirement has given Callanan time and space to reflect on his achievements throughout his career and it comes as no surprise that Tipperary’s 2019 triumph is the one that he’s most proud of.

"For me, ’19 was just incredible," he said. "I’ve touched on this before but the feeling... I'll never