Murphy calls time on Offaly career

Offaly’s Brendan Murphy has retired from intercounty hurling, the Irish Examiner has reported.

Murphy, 32, was the lone survivor from the Offaly team defeated by Kilkenny in the 2000 All-Ireland final.

"I’ve given the matter a lot of thought over the last few months, but I’ve finally decided the time has come for me to finish playing with Offaly," said Murphy.

"I’ve informed (Offaly manager) Ollie Baker of my decision and he fully understands my reason for taking it. The demands of the modern game are increasing all the time for inter-county hurlers.

"In fact, between group training and doing work on your own you need to be involved for four to five nights each week to keep up to Championship pace. And if you’re not in a position to give that kind of commitment, you’re not being fair to either your teammates or yourself."

Murphy will continue to play with his club, Ballyskanagh.