Tipperary lose another midfielder as Shane McGrath retires

Tipperary are in search of a new midfield pairing after Shane McGrath joined James Woodlock in retiring from intercounty hurling on Tuesday morning.

The 31-year-old becomes the third Tipperary retirement this week, following the decision of Woodlock at the weekend, and before him Conor O’Mahony.

The Ballinahinch club man had soldiered with the county’s senior panel for the past 10 years, winning the All-Ireland in 2010 - the “most special” moment he says.

He also won five Munster titles, one league title, and two All Stars.

The Tipperary county board on Tuesday described McGrath as “the driving force in many of his county’s triumphs while his flair and skilfulness endeared him to player and supporter alike. A wonderful leader and never afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, Shane’s loyalty and honesty were some of his greatest assets, qualities well recognised by his fellow players and management teams alike.”

McGrath’s last Tipperary game was in the summer’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway, where he and Woodlock lined out at midfield.

McGrath released the following statement on Tuesday:

“After over 10 years on the Tipperary senior hurling panel, I have decided that now is the right time to announce my retirement from inter-county hurling. It was a great honour and privilege for me to play with Tipperary and I will greatly miss being involved with the special group of people that is the Tipperary senior hurling panel.

“I have many great memories and made many lifelong friendships over the last decade or so. I was fortunate to enjoy some wonderful moments during my career and it was a great honour for me to have been Munster Player of the Year in 2008, to captain Munster and Tipperary and to win two All Star Awards. Most special of course was being part of Tipperary’s All Ireland winning team in 2010, it was simply unforgettable.

“I want to thank all the players sincerely. While we endured some disappointments, we had so many great times together and we have always been united in our ambition and commitment to bring success to Tipperary.

“I also want to thank the managers and backroom teams who helped me to fulfil my potential and were very supportive of me as well as Tipperary County Board and Supporters Club.

“I come from a small club, Ballinahinch, and it was a great privilege to represent them when I wore the blue and gold. Thanks to everybody there for their unswerving support and loyalty. My parents and family have also been hugely supportive of me and helped me in any way they could - many thanks to all of them. I also want to thank my fiancée Joanne and her family for their support and encouragement at all times.

“Finally, I wish Tipperary well for the future. I look forward with optimism to seeing this very talented group of players achieving plenty of success.”