Why I had to quit

Limerick senior hurler Niall Moran became the latest inter-county star to retire at the weekend claiming the game is not a place for married or working players.

Though he won’t be 31 until next March and is still in tremendous physical condition, he feels the increasing demand on his time left him with no choice.

“Playing inter-county is becoming less and less an option for people who are working or are married,” he said.

“Look at the number of lads from the All-Ireland champions this year, Clare and Dublin, who have gone back into full-time education. It’s become far too demanding.Everything has to revolve around it. You’re looking now at full-time training.”

For a guy whose dedication to Limerick is legendary, this was neither an easy nor a hasty decision.

“To be honest, I shed a tear when I finally made the decision. I loved it, every minute of it, and I’d like to thank all those with whom I played over the years, all those who helped me in whatever capacity. Ever since I was four or five that was all I wanted to do, play with Limerick. My godfather was Mick Hickey, full-back on the All-Ireland teams of the ’30s, and every Christmas present from him was a jersey or a hurley.

“Every time I went to do a job on the family farm the hurley came with me. I’ve been going to Limerick training since 1994, followed the lads when they played with Limerick [older brothers James and Ollie].

“My proudest moment was when I made my debut in 2004, in the league against Cork, being marked by Seán Óg Ó hAilpín and playing alongside James and Ollie. My whole life revolved around it, every aspect of my life. It’s not easy now to walk away from that and the carrot to stay on was huge.

“Limerick are on the cusp of really achieving, a great management in place again. But this is something I’ve been thinking about for the last 12 months and time is the problem. I’m teaching full time, building a house, trying to keep a dairy farm going. It wouldn’t have been right for me but more importantly, wouldn’t have been right for Limerick. I’ve always tried to get the best from myself but I also need to give my best. That wouldn’t have been possible. I’m going to miss it but sure look, there’s loads of talent coming through in Limerick.”

He too will be missed, says new manager TJ Ryan.

“Niall has been one of the best players in Limerick for the last 10 years.

“From a commitment point of view, being in shape, following his programme, he brought things to a new level.

“We’d love to have seen him carry on but you have to respect his decision. He rang me, told me he’d been thinking about it for a while.

“I tried to dissuade him but he told me his mind was made up.”