O’Grady hangs up boots after stellar hurling career

One of the greats of Limerick hurling, Donal O’Grady, has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. O’Grady, 35, captained Limerick to a Munster hurling title in 2013 and won an All Ireland U21 title with his county in an intercounty career that lasted almost 12 years. Manager TJ Ryan confirmed O’Grady’s retire-ment after last Sunday’s 3-17 to 0-18 win over Cork in the Munster Hurling League, and he paid tribute to the player, saying, “He was a great leader for us; and all round, off the pitch, on the field, he’s been inspirational for Limerick hurling.”

The Granagh-Ballingarry clubman made his senior debut for Limerick in 2004 and made 46 championship appearances, but he strug-gled with injury in recent years and in 2015 picked up an ankle injury which restricted his contribution.