Limerick's Smith to retire from inter-county hurling

Limerick's Clement Smith has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

The 29-year-old Ahane man is thought to have been unhappy with his role in team affairs, following extended spells on the bench this year.

A Limerick panellist since 1997, he made his championship debut in 1999, captained the senior team in 2000 and had been a regular in the team since, holding down positions in defence and midfield.

Smith, who recently opened a pub in Limerick city, was in the starting 15 for both of the Shannonsiders' Munster championship matches against Cork and Tipperary last year.

Smith's retirement comes hot on the heels of the axing of Mark Keane and Pat Tobin from the panel for disciplinary reasons.