Cats duo Kavanagh and Ryall also bow out

LONG-SERVING Kilkenny hurling defensive pair Michael Kavanagh and James Ryall have brought their inter-county careers to a close in the wake of last Sunday’s All-Ireland final defeat to Tipperary.

Neither Kavanagh, 31, or Ryall, 29, saw action in last Sunday’s clash and their status as substitutes this season has meant their retirements are not unexpected.

Kavanagh started at right corner-back in each of Kilkenny’s All-Ireland victories between 2006 and 2009, but Ryall has not featured since the 2006 All-Ireland final win over Cork.