Dublin's Ryan calls it a day

Former dual player Shane Ryan has confirmed his retirement from the inter-county scene due to a recurring back injury.

Former Dublin dual player Shane Ryan has confirmed his retirement from the inter-county scene due to a recurring back injury.

The dynamic Dubliner told the Irish Independent: “It’s an extremely difficult decision, but I haven’t been making any in-roads or an impact this year.

“It’s a problem that I’ve had for a number of years. This is the first year where it’s curtailed my training, which in turn is seriously curtailing my chances of getting on the togging-out panel.

“If I was to continue pushing it as hard as I have been, it might damage my chances of playing for my club in the future.

“I want to play with the club Naomh Mearnóg for another while. No inter-county player wants to admit they’re finished, but there comes a time and now it’s my turn.”

Ryan first came to prominence with the Dublin footballers and went on to win six Leinster SFC titles and an All-Star award in 2008, during the days of his power-packed midfield partnership with Ciaran Whelan.

The 33-year-old made the decision to switch to hurling the following year but his appearances for Anthony Daly's side have been curtailed in recent seasons with the back problem flaring up.

He only played for 15 minutes in last year's hurling championship, making substitute appearances against Kilkenny and Limerick and was also sprung from the bench in the closing stages of the Dubs' All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Tipperary.

“I’ll always remember the big wins but unfortunately it’s hard to forget the big losses,” he added.

"But it’s been a privilege to play with Dublin, I’ve been delighted to devote my life to it.”

Meanwhile, Dublin boss Daly will have been pleased that Stephen Hiney, Conal Keaney and Tomas Brady made successful returns in last Tuesday's challenge match against Waterford.

The trio all suffered cruciate knee ligament injuries during the 2011 season and it has been a long road back, particularly for former captain Hiney who damaged his knee in a league game in March of last year.

They suffered no setbacks in their first game back in Dublin colours with Daly's men drawing 0-20 apiece with Waterford. Dublin's first Championship outing will be a Leinster quarter-final clash with either Laois or Carlow on Saturday, June 2.