Kilkenny's Cillian Buckley retires from inter-county hurling

The Dicksboro man, who captained The Cats to a National League title in 2018, won three All-Irelands, two All-Stars (2014, ’15) and eight Leinster SHC medals, five of them coming in the last five years.

'TRUE SERVANT': Kilkenny's Cillian Buckley arrives for the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Kilkenny and Clare. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Kilkenny’s three-time All-Ireland SHC winner Cillian Buckley has announced his retirement from inter-county hurling.

The Dicksboro man, who captained The Cats to a National League title in 2018, won two All-Stars (2014, ’15) and eight Leinster SHC medals, five of them coming in the last five years.

The 32-year-old scored the dramatic winning goal in last year’s provincial decider against Galway after coming on a substitute. 

Buckley made his senior debut in 2012 and also claimed five Division 1 titles.

Derek Lyng praised Buckley’s contribution to Kilkenny going back to his minor years – he was skipper when the county won the 2010 All-Ireland.

“Cillian has been a true servant to Kilkenny and I’m honoured to have had the opportunity to work with Cillian and witness first-hand his commitment to excellence and the high standards he held himself to throughout his career. 

"Cillian was a brilliant team player with a great attitude and I wish him well in his retirement.” 

Kilkenny chairman PJ Kenny also paid tribute to Buckley. 

“On behalf of Kilkenny County Board and all associated with Kilkenny hurling, I would like to thank Cillian for his service to Kilkenny and for all the great memories he has given us and all the supporters over the years. 

"I wish Cillian the very best for the future.”