Kilkenny legend TJ Reid retires from inter-county hurling
TJ Reid made his Kilkenny debut in 2007. Pic: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Kilkenny legend TJ Reid has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling. Just last week, Reid, a seven-time All-Ireland winner, said he was willing to extend his inter-county career under new Kilkenny manager Henry Shefflin.
The Ballyhale Shamrocks man, who turns 39 next month, retires as the all-time top scorer in inter-county hurling with 43 goals and 672 points. He also won 14 Leinster SHC titles and five National Hurling League titles. Reid won seven All-Star awards, the last coming in 2023, and was hurler of the year in 2015, the year of Kilkenny's most recent All-Ireland title.
"After 20 seasons in black and amber, I have decided to bring my Kilkenny senior hurling career to an end," Reid posted on social media.
"Walking away from something that has been such a huge part of my life is not easy, but I leave with immense pride and no regrets. When I first wore the Kilkenny jersey in 2007, I never imagined I would still be representing my county two decades later. It has been the greatest privilege of my life.
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"To my father, Seán, and my mother, Mary, thank you for your unwavering support and bringing me all over the country. Mammy, I only wish you could have seen everything that followed. Rest in peace. I hope I made you both proud.
"To my brothers, Patrick, Eoin and Richie, from the family farm to the greatest stages with Ballyhale and Kilkenny, we shared unforgettable memories. The bond we have means more than any medal.
"To my wife, Niamh, thank you for every sacrifice, your endless support and for always allowing me to give everything to hurling. I could never have done this without you.
"Harper and Seán Óg, you are my greatest pride. Harper, I will always treasure you watching me in the Kilkenny jersey. Seán Óg, I look forward to making many more memories together.
"I am indebted to Joe Dunphy, Scoil Phádraig, Ballyhale, St Kieran’s College and everyone involved in my early career.
"To Ballyhale Shamrocks, my club and home, thank you for giving me my love of the game. The pride of representing you will never fade.
"To every coach, manager, backroom team, teammate and physio, thank you for the friendships, sacrifices and battles. To the Kilkenny supporters and County Board, thank you for your loyalty and support. I endeavoured to play the game in a sporting manner and represent you as best I could.
"The victories and medals will always be special, but it is the people, friendships and privilege of representing my county that I will cherish most.
"I have given everything I could to Kilkenny hurling and never taken the jersey for granted. I hope I have done it justice, honoured those who came before me and upheld the traditions of this great sport. The boots may be hung up for Kilkenny, but the pride and love for Kilkenny hurling will remain forever."
In a statement, Kilkenny GAA said: "Throughout his career, TJ has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to Kilkenny hurling. His dedication to preparation, his professionalism and his determination to perform at the highest level have set a standard for those around him.
"Despite his remarkable achievements, TJ has remained modest and grounded, always placing the team ahead of individual recognition. His sportsmanship and the respect he has shown to teammates and opponents alike have made him a wonderful example for younger players and earned him admiration throughout the wider hurling community.
"TJ leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Kilkenny hurling, not only through the honours he has won and the records he has set, but through the example he has given to generations of young hurlers."
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