His rationale for giving up hurling at the highest level is very understandable
Published: 9:38, 3 Nov 2023Updated: 9:46, 3 Nov 2023
NIALL O’MEARA is the latest player to bring an end to his inter-county career at a relatively early age.
The Kilruane MacDonaghs man is only 30 but has explained that becoming a father has altered his priorities in life.
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Celebrating after scoring a goal in the 2019 All-Ireland final against Kilkenny – his first-ever Championship major
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The left wing-forward was also part of their 2016 team that lifted Liam MacCarthy
Tipperary’s Niall O’Meara has announced his intercounty hurling retirement.
Two-time All-Ireland senior winner, netted with this brilliant finish in 2019 final v Kilkenny.
pic.twitter.com/xKG0xKSbv9
— Fintan O’Toole (@fotoole13) November 3, 2023
In his retirement statement he wrote: “After some thought I’ve decided the time is right for me to retire from inter-county hurling.
“For as long as I can remember I always wanted to wear the blue and gold jersey and luckily since 2010 playing on the minor hurling and football teams I had the opportunity, something I will always cherish.
“All of this could not of been done without the support of my amazing parents Theresa and my late dad Ger.
“They sacrificed a lot for me to achieve at the highest level.
“My two brothers Mark and Brian were also there for me throughout the journey. Thank you all!
“I would like to thank all the managers who gave me the chance to represent Tipperary, specifically Eamonn O’Shea who gave me my first opportunity, it is something I will always be proud of.
“I want to wish the current management team and players all the best for the coming season.
“I would also like to thank the county board and Tipperary supporters club for their efforts in preparing the team to the highest standards.
“There are too many to mention personally but your work doesn’t go unnoticed and it is vital in the success of any Tipp team.
“I look forward to returning back to where it began with my club Kilruane MacDonaghs, since we moved house from Knockshegowna GAA.
“Macdonagh park In Cloughjordan and the people who run it have been a huge part of my life.
“I look forward to continuing my GAA journey with lifelong friends.
“Life has new journeys and my loving partner Ciara has just given birth to our first son Mikey.
“She has shown amazing patience and selflessness while I pursued my goals. It is time I am there for them.
“During my tenure there were ups and downs both personally and as a team but I want to thank the supporters for always being there ye were part of many fond memories.
“I am looking forward to joining you and cheering on the team in the future.”
Cases like his are becoming more and more prevalent across inter-county hurling and football given the nigh-on professional level of commitments required nowadays.
Only yesterday 32-year-old Benny Heron shared that he doesn’t he feel he has it in him to go to the well one more time despite Derry being on the cusp of a rare All-Ireland title.
It’s also becoming commonplace for players to opt out for a year in order to recharge their physical and mental batteries.
Austin Gleeson will do so in 2024 while Jack Barry has taken a similar course of action with his move to Australia.
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