Wexford hurler Liam Óg McGovern has announced his intercounty retirement, becoming the latest high-profile Model County player to step away ahead of the 2025 campaign following the recent retirements of Matthew O’Hanlon and Diarmuid O’Keeffe.
The talented wing forward made his senior debut in 2012 and went on to make over 100 competitive appearances for Wexford and was a key player on the 2019 Leinster SHC winning team.
“As I announce my retirement from the Wexford senior hurling panel, I’ve taken time to reflect on my journey,” stated McGovern.
“The words of Charles Dickens come to mind: ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope’. These words capture the highs and lows of my intercounty career and, I’m sure, reflect the experience of many others.
“To the countless people who have supported me over the years, thank you. Retiring is bittersweet, but I leave with no regrets – only pride and gratitude for the years spent chasing the dream in purple and gold and the privilege of rubbing shoulders alongside and against some of the best in the game.
“Now, I look forward to cheering on the next generation of Wexford hurlers and finding new ways to give back to the county that has given me so much.”
It is a blow to manager Keith Rossiter, who is also planning without Lee Chin for the opening rounds of the league as he is currently travelling in Australia.
“Liam Óg has been a wonderful servant of Wexford hurling, giving us many memorable days and many great performances,’ said Rossiter.
“I had the pleasure of playing both with him and against him myself, and I know as well as anyone just how fiercely dedicated he’s always been. He was a key part of the Wexford set-up for many years, and he contributed hugely to Wexford hurling.
“However, I totally respect his decision, which I know he’d been considering for some time. I wish him every happiness and success in the future and sincerely thank him for all his efforts for Wexford over the years.”
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