Waterford’s Stephen Molumphy announces retirement

Former Waterford hurling captain Stephen Molumphy has announced his inter-county retirement.

Having made his debut in 2006, Molumphy was an All Star in 2007 and a beaten All-Ireland finalist in the 2008 showdown with Kilkenny.

The Ballyduff man won two Munster titles and a league title with the Déise.

“It has been an honour and privilege to have played on and captained the Waterford senior hurling team since 2006 and been part of one of the most successful periods in Waterford hurling history,” he said in a statement released by the Gaelic Players’ Association (GPA).

“There is no greater feeling than taking to the hurling field and representing your county with your loyal supporters at your back.

“I would like to pay tribute to the fantastic managers and selectors I have been fortunate to play under throughout the years and to the calibre of my teammates with whom I was lucky enough to battle alongside.

“I would like to thank my club, Ballyduff Upper, for their support and my family and friends for their trusted advice and understanding.

"Finally, I would like to sincerely thank my wife Niamh. Without her support, patience and understanding I would never have been able to combine my county hurling commitments with my work in the Irish Defence Forces. From the very outset of my county journey – when I first attended a trial with the senior panel – she was there for me as a source of positive reinforcement.

“I would like to wish the current Waterford hurling team and management the very best of luck in the future.”