Missing in action: Hurlers absent for the 2024 championship campaign 

Travelling, retirement and taking time away from the intercounty stage has seen the departure of a number of prominent hurlers for the 2024 season. 

TIME UP: Seamus Callanan of Tipperary. Pic: David Fitzgerald, Sportsfile

1. John Brendan O’Halloran (Kerry)

The veteran shot-stopper featured in two Joe McDonagh Cup finals and an All-Ireland intermediate club decider with Kilmoyley. Hasn’t returned for 2024.

2. Conor Gleeson (Waterford)

The 27-year-old has excelled all over the field for Waterford since his debut in 2016, when he also won an U21 All-Ireland. Decided to take a break for this year.

3. Cian Nolan (Clare)

Parachuted in at full-back for the Munster final against Limerick last year, the Smith O’Briens hurler has decided to go travelling.

4. Shane McNulty (Waterford)

The experienced corner-back, 29, has opted out for 2024 after an injury-curtailed campaign. Played every minute in their run to the 2020 All-Ireland final.

5. Niall O’Meara (Tipperary)

The versatile Kilruane MacDonaghs clubman’s best moment arrived on the biggest stage with his sole championship goal in the 2019 All-Ireland victory. Retired at 30.

6. Pádraig Walsh (Kilkenny)

A reliable presence at centre-back and centre-forward in a career rewarded with a pair of All-Irelands and All-Stars. Made an understated exit at 31.

7. Séamus Kennedy (Tipperary)

A cruel cruciate rupture ruled the 30-year-old dual talent out for Tipp’s 2024 campaign just a week after he had captained the side against Galway.

8. Austin Gleeson (Waterford)

Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year at 21 back in 2016, the Waterford talisman has taken a year out as he looks to recapture his appetite for the game.

9. Chris O’Leary (Dublin)

The former Cork hurler isn’t returning for a second season with Dublin after a near ever-present season last year.

10. Mikey Boyle (Kerry)

Captained Kerry to their first Christy Ring Cup in 2011 and scored 4-1 in the 2015 semi-final en route to regaining the title.

11. Richie Hogan (Kilkenny)

The 2014 Hurler of the Year won seven All-Irelands across 17 years in black and amber. His skill and adaptability saw him garner All-Stars at midfield, centre-forward, and in the corner.

12. Neil McManus (Antrim)

The Cushendall star won Joe McDonagh Cup crowns in 2020 and ’22 and brought the curtain down after keeping the Saffrons’ place at the top table for this year.

13. Alan Cadogan (Cork)

An electric attacker who burst into the Cork team in 2014, Alan Cadogan called time at 30 after some injury-disrupted later years.

14. Séamus Callanan (Tipperary)

The All-Ireland winning captain, Hurler of the Year, and record-breaking goalscorer called time on a glittering 16-year career in September, just short of his 35th birthday.

15. Shane Dooley (Offaly)

Offaly’s all-time top scorer finished up in December after amassing 22-237 in his championship career plus another 35-480 in the league.